Abby never forgot the child she lost that day, but as time passed other things entered her life, and the memory faded. Just out of college, she met a man, also going into pre-med, as she was. They soon fell in love, and married a few weeks after finishing medical school. The next years were hectic and at times rocky. Abby was focused on becoming a doctor, but Jay’s only focus was partying. He would come home at two am and awaken her from the few hours of sleep she would get that night. It wasn’t too long before Abby had to leave. Her work was suffering because of her lack of sleep and strain at home. That had left a hole in Abby’s life, losing all her friends and the respect of the community that had once been so important to her. Starting over had been hard, but eventually, Abby had made a new place for herself, and was much happier.

No! No! Please just leave me alone. Please don’t hurt me! Abby fought the man holding both of her wrists to the ground. Looking into his eyes, Abby could tell he had evil intent.  She shivered as he began assaulting her. Abby wanted to scream and fight him for all she was worth, but his words rang in her ears. “If you don’t cooperate, I will kill you!” Gradually, Abby realized the man was no longer over her, she could hear him running way. Lying on the cold ground, Abby expected the man to return and kill her at any moment. Silence pressed hard around her as she listened for his return. Moments ticked by, and the only sound she heard was the pressing silence around her. She sat up carefully, feeling the dizziness try to overwhelm her. Abby knew she needed to do something, but what? She needed help, but was she suppose to turn to? Her mother was going to disown her when she learned her perfect little girl, who had never given her a moment’s trouble, had been raped. Abby had shamed her whole family. Suddenly, she felt very alone, like no one in the world cared at all. A tap on her shoulder brought Abby out of her despair with a jolt. A woman stood over her looking very concerned. Clad in a sweat suit and running shoes, Abby figured she was a jogger, and had spotted her from the running path.  “Are you ok, honey?” The woman spoke with a slight southern accent. “I’m n-n-not s-s-sure.” Abby stammered, shivering. “What happened to you?” Abby slowly spilled the story of her attack to the woman, watching her expression change from concern to fear and then sympathy.

“You poor dear, we need to get you to the hospital, you might be hurt, and not even know it.” Abby wasn’t hurt, as far as she could tell, just tired, and emotionally spent. She wanted to go home, and get in her own bed, if you were still welcome at home. Abby awoke, covered in sweat. Why did the dream have to come tonight? She would be up again in a matter of hours, and she needed all the sleep she could get. Turning on her side Abby tried to forget the dream, but all the memories came rushing in, scaring any hopes of sleep the rest of the night away.