Dream Threads

The silhouette was staring at me; I tried to speak but I was paralyzed. I lifted my eyes to the figure, my entire body trembling with fear. My eyes adjusted to the darkness and caught sight of the creature. It was tall, towering over my short frame. Its warm, rank breath warmed my frigid face, the stench bringing hot tears to my tired eyes. There were thick clumps of hair all over its burly figure, coarse and unruly. I took in a sharp breath, my mind moving at a million thoughts a second. I squeezed my eyes shut, praying that when I opened them it would finally be gone, or at least be less intimidating. My fists clenched as I prepared myself for the reveal. My eyes shot open, strength flooding into my body and creating a pulsing adrenaline. The figure was still there, grumbling, viscous, ready to charge.
I suddenly felt an air of familiarity. Had I seen this being before? It seemed so distorted in front of me, but in my mind, it felt like an old friend. I turned my gaze to the floor, a glint of glass in the shadows caught my eye. Clutched in the creature's hand was a bottle of brown liquid, the open top exposing a putrid smell. I took a step forward and placed a shaking hand on his unshaven face. The scruff of his beard tickled my fingers. I stared into his bloodshot eyes. They were golden brown like mine; the only human thing about him anymore. I quickly tore my hand away, an intake of breath bringing the feeling to my legs. I lost him so long ago, each drink pulling him further from reality, turning him into the creature he had become. This was not the man I had once loved. I burst out of the splintered wooden door behind me, my feet rough against the sidewalk as I made my escape.