During the day, those that only knew her on the surface would see that she is but a young mother, going to the market. Providing for her boy the food that he needs and the room to grow. But behind the love and ambition of a mother. There are phantoms that lie dormant. Until the witching hour comes. When her boy is in bed and the candles are snuffed out. That is when the phantoms awaken, their fun begins. Her sheets become stained with sweat and she is thankful, that none share her bed. For it is in these moments that she feels her weakest.
Her eyes are clamped shut but it does not affect her ability to see. In, fact, she sees more in her dreams and nightmares than in a thousand lives. However, this current, nightmare, this current phantom that she faced. Was among the cruelest. It whispered, "Welcome home." In the guise of someone so familiar. That it awoke the child within her, that longed, to be in this person's arms again. To feel that aura of protection. And the maternal love the elleth breathed into her lonely heart. However, the woman in her now, knew that the world protects no one. And the only protection she would ever find is within herself.
"Welcome home" the voice in her sleep uttered again. Still, she knew that it was a mockery. She was thrown to the wolves without a second thought. There was no home. Not really.. not anymore.
Yet, without these phantoms, these memories. Memories that exist, but lie dormant, she would feel empty. Perhaps she is a madwoman after all. Or perhaps it was simply time to see the doctor again..
