At the time, I was housed in an open-bay dormitory. It’s a large room with many bunks, like a shelter. I was in a deep sleep on one of the top bunks. The lower beds were reserved for the older guys and those with medical issues that would make it difficult for them to hoist their bodies to the top bunk. It was about 3am and something shook me from my sleep, a sound.
It was a voice, screaming. “It wasn’t me! It wasn’t me! I swear. He was already dead when I got here! I swear! I didn’t kill him! He was dead when I got here!”
My eyes popped open and moved from bunk to bunk. Nobody stirred or sat up. Neither did I. What section of the dorm did the voice come from? He must’ve had a nightmare. Who was it? It wasn’t the voice of someone I spoke with on a daily basis. I’d recognize it. The voice was clear and sharp, not high-pitched but not a deep voice either. But his nightmare must’ve ended, or he was wakened by his own screams, body rigid and unmoving, crunched inside of his blankets, hugging himself, sweating, heart pounding, wondering if anyone heard his screams that crossed over from the dreamworld.
I closed my eyes, acting like I was sleeping. Who was it? How many bunks away is he? Did he do it? Did he kill him? How dangerous is this guy? I knew I was housed with killers, drug dealers, burglars and robbers, that’s undoubtable, but those screams scared me because this guy, I thought, yeah, he could be having a nightmare, but something told me those screams came from a more sinister place. To me, those screams were a sign of a major internal struggle.
The next morning, while in line for breakfast, the guy in front of me turns around and, addressing me and a few people behind me, whispers, “Did you guys hear that last night?”
We nodded. I said, “Yeah, that was weird. Who was that?”
“I don’t know, but he has a guilty conscience. It’s killing him,” he said, then turned around and walked forward in line.
Wow! To hear a grown man scream for his life, I’d be scared out if my mind.
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Yeah, it was pretty weird, kinda scary. I never figured out exactly who it was either. And it could have been just a dream, but…probably not. The story kind of makes me think of Poe’s ‘Tell Tale Heart.’
Thanks for reading and commenting.
God bless.
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A terrifying experience for you and anyone else listening and you told it well, with simplicity and clarity. Just that thought that there was someone who you mixed with everyday, hiding that within themselves. Disturbing
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Thank you for reading and commenting.
God bless.
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My pleasure 🙂
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Wish him best of luck. If you don’t mind telling me, why you are in and for how long?
It’s great to see you have involved yourself in something positive
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Thank you so much for reading, commenting, and questioning. I was incarcerated for 9 years. My past post entitled “Prologue to My Memoir” tells why. Read it. Let me know what you think about the writing.
Thanks again.
God bless.
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Let me read it, sorry if I hurt your feelings in anyway by asking
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No, you did not hurt my feelings at all. I’m happy that you’ve taken any interest in my story at all. And I don’t mind talking about my time inside, which is why I write about it.
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What a testimony you have … Your journey is now a testimony. I have now read several of your pieces and can’t stop thanking and praising God for your life and the vessel HE has created so that HIS name can be glorified. I pray for your continued journey and God to not only grant you wisdom but as in Jeremiah 33:3 “tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know”. God’s grace and love be with you.
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Thank you for taking the time to read my story. An even greater Thank You for sharing some scripture with me. I have always believed that any exchange that contains His word is a valuable one, which is why, in most of my posts, I include verses and quotes from the bible. I am truly thankful that my journey, though rough at times, served to strengthen my relationship with HIM.
Again, thank you for stopping by, reading, and commenting.
God bless.
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You are an amazing writer. So far I read 3 posts and can actually envision the scenes and the situations you found yourself in (and they send shivers down my spine!) I wish you all the best …
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Thank you so much for the awesome compliment. And thank you for taking the time to read my work.
I really appreciate it.
God bless.
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Perhaps the man was reasserting his innocence in a dream for a murder he didn’t commit, but was wrongly convicted for.
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Yes, that’s entirely possible. I knew nothing of the man other than those late-night screams that jarred me from my sleep. I never found out who exactly was screaming that night. That guy could have been innocent, yes.
Thank you so much for stopping by, reading, and commenting.
God bless.
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Thank you for this thought provoking post. We should be reminded that despite whatever crimes the incarcerated might have committed, we are called to show them as much compassion as to anyone else whenever need be. Jesus never condemned anyone except the scribes and Pharisees for their obstinate religious pride and hypocrisy. Our Lord never judged a living soul, but had nothing but compassion for everyone he met.
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Nine years. That is a long long time. Thanks for commenting on my blog and reading my stuff. God is with you now and promised that he will never ever leave you.I’m asking that He give you every opportunity to get a good income happening, and continue to bless your gift of writing. You might consider writing an episode for TV. Blee you in Jesus name.
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Thank you too. I appreciate you dropping by, reading, and taking the time to share some supportive and encouraging words.
Thanks again.
God bless.
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