“Get up sleepyhead!” came a voice from beside me. I stretched and yawned. Without opening my eyes I asked, “What do you want, Katie?” Silence answered me. I opened my eyes. “Are you alright? I saw you moving a lot last night.” Once my eyes adjusted to the light, I realized Isabella was the one speaking.

“You’re alive!” I squealed. She cocked her head. “Of course I am, silly! I’ve been alive since I set foot on this Earth.” she responded. I laughed. I checked my neck and felt no bite mark. My clothes were also clean, and my legs didn’t hurt. Samantha smiled.

“You were the first to fall asleep after our horror movie night.” she said to me. I looked around the room and saw Samantha, Isabella, Axel, and Katie all staring at me. It was just a nightmare. “Wait, are we missing someone?” I asked.

Katie shook her head. “I don’t think so.” Axel mumbled. “Then where is Michael?” I questioned the group. Isabella was the first to answer. “I have no clue who that is.” She couldn’t hide her smile. I shook my head and chuckled.

“I’m being serious, Isabella.” I scolded, laughing. Katie laughed too. “We didn’t invite him because he’s your ex, remember?” Samantha said. Axel chimed in, “He also hates my guts!” I giggled. That’s when I realized we weren’t high schoolers. We were in middle school. It had all been a dream.

Bacon, eggs, and biscuits could be smelled behind the closed door. “Who’s ready for breakfast?” Samantha asked, getting up. I smiled and heaved myself off the blue sleeping bag. Axel and Katie raced down the hallway while me and Samantha walked behind. Isabella was ahead of them all, obviously because of her long legs.

I took a seat beside her, happy that I was with my friends and cousin. I was also glad they were alive. I couldn’t exactly say I had a nightmare, for it was a relief to wake up and feel joy. Let’s just say, reality is way better than fairy tales and monsters.