Sleep Deprived

The last time he slept felt like a galaxy away. So, this felt wonderful. Finally, a good night’s sleep on the horizon. A spacious room, a clean and warm bed, no noise, no distractions. Just him counting some sheep.

The soft pastel lighting aided by complete silence, felt like being in a void. This time he could almost taste it. But it was not to be, a foe well known to him buzzed right by his left ear. As he laid there with the lights off, he started plotting the best way to approach the situation. He tossed and turned, restless, for what felt like hours, but it had only been a few minutes according to the old clock on the bedside table.

All of a sudden his foe struck! It was a precision strike. Right on the soft fleshy part on the inside of his left arm, leaving behind a tingling sensation and an itchy bright red spot. He wanted to turn the light on, but he wasn’t ready yet. “He might have gotten his fill, he’ll leave me alone” he said to himself, “and if not, the surprise element will work better”.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz! Another flyby, this time it was too close to his right ear. It was loud and incited violence. Unable to contain himself, John jumped up like a man possessed and turned on the light in one move, scanning the room for his prey, his eyes red with murdering intent.” C’mere, you little bastard! Show yourself!” He shouted. He was ready to chase that mosquito until he got retribution. John was a man of his word. He had learned during his time in the army that a man’s word is all you have. His mission was clear, and only one outcome interested him. There was one obstacle between him and a good night’s sleep and it had to be eliminated. He started scanning the walls meticulously, looking for his nemesis, but to no avail.

John turned off the lights and decided to have another go. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

He was going to see his brother’s family for thanksgiving in a few days. It had been a few years. Incessant traveling for work meant he never stayed too long in one place. The money was too good for him to complain, but he needed a break. He rented a small country cottage not too far from where his brother lived. It was quite remote, hidden in the middle of the woods, with only one road leading up to it. He had been craving a bit of isolation for a while now, and this seemed like the perfect place for it.  

As he dozed off, he felt another bite, this time on his right cheek. As he felt it he slapped himself so hard he hurt his right eye. He jumped up again in the darkness. This time and as he reached for the light, he lost his footing and tripped himself hitting his head on the metal bed frame with violence and fell to the ground knocking himself out.

Blood flowed from his head wound as he lay on the floor. John finally fell asleep, for the last time.