“Go away! Leave me alone!” I scream as I hit the palm of my hand against my head hoping the voices will leave, for the spirit haunting me to leave. Samual won’t stop! He keeps reminding me of my past. I hate when he tells me that him and I are just the same because we are not. “You know what you did Kimmy. Don’t think for one second I am going to let you forget it.” He sternly whispers into my ear. I can feel the bottom of his lips coming right off of my ear, then he is gone with a gust of wind. Finally, it is silent. Now, I can go to sleep peacefully, or so I thought.

Every night I have awful nightmares, but I cannot awake from them. It is almost like I am reliving my tragic life over and over again. In my dream I am lying in the bed I had when I was a young, but an adulterated child. I see a bright light guiding me toward the hallway where I then see my Uncle standing at the end of the hallway holding a belt. I could tell he has been drinking and is very angry. I must have not done what he had asked of me. I hesitate to move as he is coming in my direction. I start to run as fast as I can to get away from my demons. I run into the backroom to call the police, but before I can, He grabs my arm and brings his hand back to take a hit. Then there was a bright flash and it startled me out of my dream.

I suddenly awake to the realization of where I am. I see the bars inplace of a wall and I look to my right to see my leaking toilet. I am back in my five by eight cell that I will serve the rest of my life in. My back is aching from the lightly cushioned mattress that lies on the cold, concrete floor. The guard comes by my cell and unlocks the barred door to do their headcount and send us to our breakfast shift.

This morning the prison is serving fruit for breakfast. Before I can eat, I have to take my morning medication. I went through the line in the cafeteria, but I didn’t get anything because my stomach feels queasy after my terrifying nightmare last night. I sat by myself because I have not made any allies since I have been in here. All of the mistreatment from individuals in my life have made me more of a recluse, so I withdraw from any social interactions. Samuel is near, I can just sense his presence. I get a cold, erie feeling. As to my surprise, Samuel has appeared right in front of me, “What do you want from me Uncle?” I ask in a demanding manner. “I want you to pay for killing me. I took care of you. Why would you do this?” I am in shock. How can he say such a thing? “ Took care of me! You did nothing except beat on me when you were drunk! You did nothing for me!” I didn’t realize I was yelling and the other inmates in the cafeteria look in my direction. The guards come racing in with the straight jacket and fascin me tightly. I have been through this so much it is practically normal to me. I am now numb and Samuel has won again. He will always win.