Daisychain Fiction
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Lore [11/???]
🕑 Added 2025-05-06 21:35:07 +0000 UTC
There's a shadow on the wall, and it looks like Crownie.
Bug catches her breath and curls into her blanket - but she doesn't look away. She stares, unblinking, barely breathing.
Hello, the shadow says.
Bug tightens her body's slouch, the blanket swallowing her to her eyes. She doesn't reply.
The shadow swishes with the gusting wind outside, extending, coming closer.
Don't be afraid, the shadow says. The gaping eye sockets glow a soft blue. I'm only here to say I miss you.
Bug shakes her head, trying not to tremble. She fails.
I was worried when you left, it says. I was worried you were scared of me. But I'm not going to hurt you. You or the Bringer.
Bug whimpers, the sound so soft that her blanket swallows it.
You are family. You are both family. I would never hurt my family.
The shadow swells, the dark swathe taking over the wall, the floor, the edge of the bed.
Bug shrieks, the sound so sudden and violent that her insides hurt. Every muscle is locked, tense - she couldn't run even if she tried.
The bedroom door opens, and you rush inside, terror clear on your face. "Bug, baby, what? Are you hurt? What happened?"
As you slot yourself beside her in the bed, pulling her against you, she points at the wall and babbles, "Crownie. Crownie. Crownie."
But Crownie isn't there - there's only the shadow of tree limbs outside.
"It's okay," you soothe, pulling her close and kissing her temple, a hand smoothing her hair. "It was just a dream, okay? Crownie isn't here."
And it isn't here.
But it was.
