I had this dream a little less than a week ago. Since then, I haven’t been able to shake it loose from my head. I have turned it over many times, but it still feels like I am missing something.

I am at the base of Mount Everest. It really is a mind blowing sight. A uniform white frost covers the entire side of the mountain. I am preparing to begin my trek. I don’t remember seeing anybody around me, but don’t exactly feel like I’m going it alone either. Scanning the mountain from bottom to top, I don’t recognize any particular path. But at the same time, It’s like all paths are traversable. From where I am, the peak is invisible. I know it exists just beyond the horizon and once I climb past a certain point, it will be visible. With this energy, I take my first step.

Immediately, the mountain environment has transformed into a apocalyptic snowy wasteland. There are empty cars, barrels, and trash cans to hide behind. I am already hiding. I glance out and see a demonic creature. The creature was completely black. It had 4 legs. The surface of the creature was unstable with blackness evaporating from all its pores. I know immediately that if that thing sees me it will kill me. I’m terrified.

I don’t know how long I’ve been hiding at this point. Could be seconds or hours. I don’t think the creature is hunting. It feels more like this creature is waiting for something. I haven’t needed to move from my initial hiding place. But I haven’t been able to move to any other.

I stood up and walked toward the creature. By now, I wasn’t scared anymore. I’m not sure why. I don’t remember making any decision to attack. It’s more like my body moved on it’s own. Once I was within a few feet, gasoline appeared in my hand. I threw the gas at the creature and it exploded in flames. It felt really good. I won.

The creature was writhing on the ground in terrible pain. It’s legs desperately clawed at the air trying to be anywhere else than that spot on the ground. I felt a pit in my stomach. This creature was Marlie.

I collapsed to the ground and begged her forgiveness. No response. I woke up.