Introduction

A long time ago, there were beings who lost their world to the inevitable cosmic force—time. Free from the constraints of time, they found themselves able to evolve to a higher plane of existence, not bound by any laws of physics. With no physical body, nor having a physical presence at all, they were doomed to float through the vast nothingness of space-bound to only do one thing: observe.

Most simply observed from away, but from time to time, a being would be drawn to a planet where emotions ran raw and life bloomed in all shapes and forms. It was like flipping through television channels and stumbling upon something captivating. That's Earth.

The beings watched, fascinated, as they observed entities of many sizes, colors, shapes, and behaviors.  Humans, the planet's dominant species, were particularly intriguing. These entities could easily peer into the minds of humans, especially when they were asleep. Entering a human's dream was the closest they could get to having a physical presence, though it wasn’t real—just a figment of the imagination or a memory controlled by the dreamer.  Unbeknownst to the humans, these silent watchers filled their dreams.

For some, mere observation wasn’t enough. In dreams, they could only get a taste of what it would be like to have a body, feel emotions, and experience life. Some began to play games with humans—giving advice, influencing them, and even manipulating the course of dreams. The humans, believing the beings were part of their own imagination, obeyed. But it was always just a dream. The humans would wake up, go about their lives, and nothing would change.

However, every so often, an envious being wouldn’t let go of the human they were watching. They’d grow obsessed, yearning to take control. But as much as they tried, they could never physically exist in Earth’s real world. However, there is a moment when a human is abruptly awakened from a deep sleep, where the boundary between dream and reality blurs. It lasts only for one Earth minute. The human becomes frozen, their body thinking it’s still asleep while their mind remains awake, connected to the subconscious dream state. Through the dreamer's subconscious, the beings can briefly manifest into the real world, though still without a physical presence.

These beings would simply stare back at the frozen human. They can do this repeatedly throughout a human’s life until the desire becomes unbearable, and they attempt to end their suffering by trying to grasp the human’s heart. But all the humans would feel was pressure on their chest, which would break the dream state, waking them up to an empty room, leaving behind only a foggy memory of what had transpired.

This was the curse these beings endured since their world ended: doomed to forever be observers—until one random moment in time, when one being did the impossible.

Chapter One

The sun was beginning to rise, casting a deep blue across the sky. It was Saturday, and the Jones house was bustling with energy. Abel Jones, or AJ as everyone called him, was already dressed and sitting on the couch, eating a bowl of cereal.

AJ was an average-looking young man, about 17 years old, standing 5'11" and weighing 170 lbs, with medium-length dark hair he got from his mother and blue eyes. His older brother, Michael, was 6'2" with light skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes. AJ’s father, Adam, was 6'0" with brown eyes and grey hair, while his mother, Mary, was 5'4", 160 lbs, with green eyes and dark hair. It was as if someone took them straight from a magazine for rural America.

AJ’s parents were very strict and deeply religious. His father, Adam, owned a local car dealership and was a successful business owner. He was also a deacon at the church, with a strong reputation in the town. Adam was a dominant figure who ran a strict household, demanding respect and expecting it to be given.

His mother, Mary, was a housewife who cared for the children, kept the home in perfect order, and prepared dinner for the family. She was responsible for peacekeeping in the household. Mary always had to be right and be in control. She would nitpick everything, from how you dressed to your room, your hair, your performance in school, or your grades.

AJ had an older brother, Michael, also known as Mike. Mike was 20 years old and a sophomore in college. He was tall and athletic. Mike was very popular in school, having been the quarterback in high school and currently the star running back at his university.

Today was the first day Mike had returned home for summer break, and the whole family was excited and anxious to see him.

“ABEL JONES! YOU GET YOUR BUTT UP RIGHT NOW AND SIT AT THE TABLE! WE ARE NOT EATING CEREAL WITH MIKE HOME!” Mary Jones yelled as she walked into the living room, seeing her youngest son, AJ, sitting on the couch, watching the morning news.

“But I’m already eating. There’s no reason to get up now,” AJ replied to his mother without taking his eyes off the television.

“I don’t care! Mike is home, and I will not have you two eating cereal when we can sit down and have a nice family breakfast!” she shouted as she walked around the couch and turned off the TV.

“I’m sorry, Mom,” AJ said, rolling his eyes and placing the bowl on the coffee table. He stood up, walked around the couch, and headed toward the kitchen.

“Now, what would the Lord want me to make for Mike?”

“Oh, I know what he likes. I think I’ll make blueberry waffles!” Mary smiled, excited to have her eldest son home from college. She headed into the kitchen and began preparing the batter for the waffle maker.

“I can’t believe my big bro is finally home!” AJ said, turning to Mike, who picked up AJ’s cereal and was eating it on the couch.

“Yeah, it’s going to be good to see everybody again. How are you doing, AJ?” Mike asked, sitting up and stretching his arms.

“Great. Mom and Dad have been bugging me about you coming home. You’d think it was the King of England coming to visit,” AJ said, laughing.

“That’s not surprising. How are things at school? You still dating that girl?” Mike asked while standing up and pulling on a shirt.

“Zoe? Yeah, things are great with her. School’s okay, but I’m not doing well in English class. I’ve already taken it twice, and the teacher’s talking about flunking me. If I fail, I won’t be able to get into the same college you’re at,” AJ said, looking down at his feet.

“Well, that shouldn’t be an issue with all your extracurriculars. My college is a sucker for a good all-American football player,” Mike said with a grin.

“I don’t think you’ll be too happy to hear this, but I quit sports. The only extracurricular I’ve done is art club,” AJ said, looking away, embarrassed.

“What? AJ, are you crazy? Art isn’t a sport. Besides, if you don’t do something that’ll get you into college, you’ll be stuck here forever!” Mike exclaimed, shocked that his younger brother had given up something he’d once enjoyed.

“I’m sorry, I just can’t do it anymore. All the guys on the team are so obsessed, and I’m tired of being around them. I think I could be really good at art if I applied myself. Zoe says people would pay for my drawings!” AJ said, still not making eye contact.

“AJ, be realistic. Most artists have terrible lives. The chances of you making a living off art are slim to none. Don’t be stupid. You don’t have to play football, but you need to choose something that will provide for you and your future family,” Mike advised.

“Okay, let’s head over and eat,” Mike said, walking toward the kitchen.

“Alright, I’m hungry, and you’re right. That was silly of me. I’ll ask the coach if I can rejoin,” AJ replied as he walked out the door with Mike.

The family gathered around the table and began eating the breakfast Mary had prepared. The food was delicious, and everyone was enjoying the company.

“So, Mike, how’s school?” Adam asked, chewing on a piece of bacon.

“It’s going great, Dad. I’m actually the starting running back on the football team, and I’m on pace to make the dean’s list. I also joined a youth ministry group where we help feed the needy while teaching them how to be closer to God,” Mike said proudly, glancing at his mom.

“That’s wonderful, honey!” Mary replied with a huge smile on her face.

“Yeah, yeah, that’s good. Dean’s list? Just like your old man,” Adam said, clearly interested in his son’s success.

“AJ, what about you? How’s school?” Adam continued, looking over at his younger son.

“Fine,” AJ muttered, looking down at his food.

“Come on, tell us what’s going on,” Mary urged, nudging AJ.

“Nothing, Mom. Nothing’s going on,” AJ replied, still avoiding eye contact.

“He doesn’t even want to talk about school. Maybe that’s a sign. We should’ve seen the writing on the wall with his grades. He needs to focus on what he’s good at and forget about this art nonsense. That’s not something a young man with a promising future should waste his time on,” Adam said, shaking his head.

“AJ, I’ve told you this before—you need to be realistic and think about what will provide for your future,” Mary added, looking at AJ.

“But, Mom, you know I’m good at art. You always said it was the one thing I excelled at,” AJ replied, looking up at his mother.

“Yes, as a hobby. Like how I play the piano. Do you think I should’ve given up raising you both to pursue a career in music? That’s what you’re saying to your future kids,” Mary countered.

All three of them nodded in agreement at AJ.

“All this nonsense is probably why you can’t sleep at night and keep having those… what do you call them, night terrors?” Adam said.

“It’s called sleep paralysis, Dad. And I’ve had it since I was a kid. It’s just been happening more often lately,” AJ replied.

“You know, scientists still don’t know exactly why it happens, but it’s been around for a long time. It was once called the 'Old Hag Syndrome,' dating back to 1567. There was even talk it could be an incubus demon in biblical times. And now, in modern times, people think it’s why some believe they get abducted by aliens,” Mike added, showing off his knowledge.

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“Don’t be silly, Mike. A demon following my son? No way, not after how much we give to the church,” Mary said. However, she paused for a moment, staring at AJ as if trying to scan his soul. Then she continued, “Anyway, eat up. Let’s not waste this food or this day.”

The family finished breakfast and headed outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. They went into town, showing off that Mike was back. They stopped by local stores, running errands and telling everyone about the barbecue they were throwing for Mike next weekend. However, it was more of an excuse for Adam to network and ensure he could secure the position of head deacon in the community next year. The sun began to set as the Jones family wrapped up their day together. They, of course, decided to eat dinner in town as one last way to show off their “perfect family” status to the community.

For AJ, this was normal family life. They presented themselves as the perfect, happy family, and AJ believed it. It was all he had ever known, so it seemed normal to him. His friends at school had similar stories and lifestyles, so AJ never questioned his parents, and definitely not his brother, who seemed to have it all figured out.

When they got home, it was around 8 PM, and the family was exhausted.

“Okay, guys, time for bed. We have church tomorrow, and then the big BBQ,” Adam said as he walked through the front door.

“Yes, sir,” Mike and AJ both replied.

“Good night, sweetie,” Mary said to Mike, giving him a hug.

“Night, Mom,” Mike replied.

Everyone headed to their bedrooms. AJ lay in bed and started to drift off. As he dozed, he felt the familiar pressure on his chest. Panic set in, but he couldn’t move or open his eyes.

AJ was able to slowly open his eyes and saw a dark shadow standing in the corner of his room. The figure was tall and stared directly at him.

The figure didn’t move. It just stood there, staring. AJ tried to calm himself down, telling himself it was just a dream.

AJ lay in bed, staring back at the shadow until he eventually fell asleep again.

Sunday morning, AJ woke up groggily and dressed for church.

“Abel, hurry up! We’re going to be late!” Mary yelled from downstairs.

“Coming!” AJ shouted back while putting on his shoes.

“We’re going to have words if you make us late! Now get down here!” Mary called out as she walked toward the front door.

“I’m coming, jeez,” AJ muttered.

“Where were you this morning? I thought you were dead in there,” Mary said, staring at AJ with a disapproving look.

“What are you talking about? I was just getting ready,” AJ replied.

“I’m going to check on Mike. Come with me,” Mary said, heading toward Mike’s room.

“Why is Dad so obsessed with Mike?” AJ asked his mom quietly.

“Because he’s the favorite,” Mary replied nonchalantly.

“Why is that?” AJ asked, feeling a pang of jealousy.

“Don’t be silly. You know he loves you both, but there’s something special about Mike. He works hard, and he’s always been the perfect son. You, on the other hand, are so lazy,” Mary said, her words cutting into AJ.

“I’m not lazy! I work hard at everything I do,” AJ protested.

“Sure, honey, sure,” Mary replied sarcastically.

AJ could feel it—the conditional nature of his mother’s love and the way his father’s affection seemed to revolve around success. Mike was the golden child, while AJ and his efforts were often overlooked or ignored.

“Mike! Mike, wake up. We’re going to be late,” Mary said, pounding on Mike’s door.

“Okay, okay, I’m up. Give me a sec,” Mike responded from the other side.

“Why weren’t you yelling at him when he slept in?” AJ asked.

“Don’t worry about it. He’s a grown man and doesn’t need me yelling at him. Unlike you—you’d sleep all day if I let you,” Mary replied dismissively.

The family headed outside to the car, where Adam had been waiting for the last thirty minutes, frustrated by the delay.

“What took you so long? We’re going to be late now,” Adam said, giving AJ a stern look.

“AJ slept in. He missed breakfast. Then we had a talk,” Mary added, clearly blaming AJ for the delay.

“Whatever. Let’s go,” Adam said as he started the car.

The family drove to church. Once there, they walked inside and found their seats. The service was long and tedious, but everyone knew their roles and played them perfectly.

After church, they returned home and began preparing for the barbecue.

“Hey, Mike, how’s college social life treating you?” AJ asked while they were getting ready.

“It’s good. Really good, actually,” Mike replied, looking up at his younger brother.

“That’s awesome,” AJ said, though his mind seemed to be elsewhere.

“Yeah, it is. So, what about you? How are things going with your girlfriend? Is she coming to the BBQ?” Mike asked, trying to sound casual.

“Things are great, but she’s busy, so she won’t be able to make it,” AJ replied, looking down at the ground, feeling a little disappointed.

“Okay, well, maybe next time. I’d love to find out where she got accepted into college,” Mary said, giving him a reassuring smile.

The party started, and soon the backyard was full of people from the church, some of Mike’s old high school friends, and even a few neighbors who had heard about the event.

“Hey, AJ, how’s it going?” AJ turned around to see a familiar face—Tyrone, a classmate who used to play football with him.

“Hey, Tyrone, it’s going well. How are you?” AJ responded, offering a quick hug.

“I’m good, man. I heard your brother’s back in town. How’s that going?” Tyrone said, laughing and nudging AJ.

“It’s going alright. He’s cool,” AJ said, trying to sound indifferent.

“That’s good, man, that’s good. So, what’s up with you and your girl? I saw her at the gas station the other day. She looked good. Did you guys break up or something?” Tyrone asked with a smirk.

“No, we’re still together. We just haven’t talked much lately,” AJ replied, glancing away.

“Well, that sucks. Why haven’t you two talked?” Tyrone pressed.

“She’s busy. College stuff you know? She has a lot going on,” AJ explained, not making eye contact.

“When was the last time you called or texted her?” Tyrone asked.

“A couple of days ago. Why?” AJ replied, feeling uncomfortable.

“Look, I know it’s tough when a girl you like doesn’t give you enough attention, but you got to keep trying. Girls like it when you pursue them. That’s what my dad always says—‘Keep hitting it until you get what you want.’ You want her, right?” Tyrone said, patting AJ on the back.

“Yeah, I want her,” AJ nodded, feeling uneasy with the direction of the conversation.

“Are you coming to the bonfire tonight? Bring her there,” said Tyrone.

“Yeah. I’ll be there,” said AJ.

AJ didn’t like where the conversation was heading, so he quickly changed the subject. “So, how are your folks? How’s your mom and dad doing?”

“They’re good, man. My mom’s always complaining about my grades, but that’s nothing new. My dad, though, he’s pissed at me right now. Everett from school told the teachers I was cheating off his test,” Tyrone said, clearly annoyed.

“Oh, that sucks. I’m sorry,” AJ replied.

“Not as sorry as Everett’s going to be when we get back to school on Monday. I am going to smash his stupid ninja skateboard the next time I see it,” Tyrone said with a smirk. He was known for being a bully, always craving attention at school since he didn’t get much at home. Everett, on the other hand, was quiet and tried to avoid being noticed, but he was always on Tyrone’s radar.

AJ and Tyrone exchanged goodbyes, and AJ continued mingling at the barbecue, trying to keep himself busy. The party went late into the night, well past dinner.

Adam was sitting on the back porch, enjoying a cigarette with a few fellow church members and Mike when he noticed AJ standing by the door.

“Hey, AJ, can you bring me a beer?” Adam called out, looking over at his son.

AJ noticed his father was a little tipsy. Without saying a word, AJ walked over to the cooler on the porch, grabbed a beer, and handed it to his father.

“See? Right there. That’s what I’m talking about. Mike would’ve asked if anyone else wanted a beer, but AJ just grabbed one, not thinking about anyone else,” Adam said, turning to his friends.

“But you said—” AJ tried to defend himself.

“I know what I said, but if you just used your brain or your eyes, you’d have noticed everyone else needed one, too. If you just thought more about others instead of yourself—like this art thing—you’d be on track to being just like your brother. Now go on, get out of here,” Adam said, turning back to his friends.

Mike gave AJ a sympathetic look but said nothing.

AJ had had enough. He thought about telling his family about the bonfire, but why bother? No one would even notice he snuck off. So, AJ sent Zoe a text, grabbed his bicycle and headed to the beach. The family lived on the west coast and was not far from the beach.

But Adam did notice and was not about to let AJ off clean-up duty. Before AJ could even enjoy the bonfire, Adam raced into his car to grab AJ. Something went down at the bonfire because when Adam and AJ got back, Adam sent AJ straight to his room.

“What is up with that?” asked Mary to Adam.

Adam just shrugged and went back to the end of the BBQ.

AJ was out of it. His head was fuzzy. He excused himself and went up to his room to get ready for bed. From his window, he could see most people had left, and only his father and a few friends remained outside. His mother and brother had also gone inside.

AJ's head started pounding so he skipped brushing his teeth and hopped into his little twin-sized bed. He realized he forgot to close the door to his room but was too lazy to get up.

"AJ, you still up?" Mike was at the door peaking in. AJ could tell he also had some beer and wanted to say something, but AJ’s head wasn’t letting him focus and he just wanted to sleep.

Mike soon left and AJ waited until the coast was clear and hopped up to close the door. AJ hopped into bed and put on some white noise to help him drift off to sleep. He had a lot on his mind and struggled to clear his mind before bed. But eventually, the white noise works and he is out cold.

That night, he dreamed about his life and what it could have been. He dreamed of pursuing drawing and his parents encouraging him. His life fast forwards to him being an adult in his 50s where he can see himself sitting out on some California beach drawing while the sun is setting in the background. A woman who is assumed to be his wife brings out a glass of wine and compliments his drawings as kids are running around on the beach. He is so happy. He doesn't want it to end. He then realizes he's not just watching himself but he is also there in the distance. He looks down and sees his hands, but somehow, he knows he is both this AJ and that AJ at the same time. He doesn't dwell on it long because he is enjoying just being there in the moment and wants to see how it plays out.

This must be Lucid dreaming he heard about. He got curious and wanted to see what the other AJ was drawing, so he started walking towards it. But as he got closer, the further away the other version of him and his family got. He was stuck observing at that distance. He was getting frustrated. It was his dream, so why can't he control it? AJ started to run and went faster and faster until he was sprinting.  Finally, it caught the attention of the other older AJ.

The older AJ was shocked to see this AJ. He stood up and the present AJ could now see the painting was blank. He was painting nothing. The older AJ's face grew angry, his eyes turned pure black. "Go away." The older AJ said as he waved his hand. The present AJ went flying backward. The fall felt so real it jolted him awake.

It was just a dream, AJ thought with a sigh of relief. But that moment was quickly gone when he realized he couldn't move again. He wasn't afraid, just annoyed at this point. He looked over, and yep, the being was in the corner again. After the hundredth time, it is not scary to him anymore, and besides, the beings just watch. He ignores the being and tries to fall back asleep. He figured out that falling back asleep was the fastest way to stop the sleep paralysis, and the best way is to start thinking about a dream. There was only one dream on his mind and it was to continue the dream he just jolted awake from.

"No. Do not dream. Do not go back to sleep."

AJ's eyes opened widely. What was that? He looked over at the entity. Did it just speak? It was the same voice that said "Go away" in the dream but the figure didn't even have a mouth or even eyes for that matter. Just a shadow figure. He figured it was his imagination. He closed his eyes again and tried to think of the dream.

"I said NO."

AJ opened his eyes again. He definitely heard that. He looked over at the figure and he felt this uneasiness. An almost anxious presence was coming from that being. Without a warning, the being approached him. AJ was still frozen, forced to just watch as it aggressively approached the bed getting taller and taller. Its hand stretched out and reached for AJ's heart. The same pressure on his chest he felt before was now unbearable. Tears started rolling down his eyes as he wanted it to stop. It squeezed his heart and then, darkness.

AJ gasped as he woke up the next morning. He looked around his room. He was so relieved to realize it was just a dream. He shivered just thinking about it.

ring ring ring

His alarm clock just went off to wake up. He woke up right before it went off. He stared at the ceiling, really not wanting to go to school today.

ring ring ring

His alarm went off the second time. Okay, just move your body. He thought. Luckily, he already packed his backpack so he just needed to get dressed, brush his teeth, and head out. He walked over to the mirror in his room. He stared at himself and noticed there was crunchiness around his eyes as if he actually did cry in the night. There was dry blood under his nose.

“Ouch,” AJ said as he touched the back of his head.

He paused, trying to remember exactly what happened, but his memory was getting foggier and foggier.

"AJ." A voice can be heard. It scared the crap out of AJ as he flailed his arms, knocking over his schoolbooks off a desk. He looked around, thinking someone was in the room, but no one was there.

"AJ don't freak out." He could hear the voice again but he couldn't tell where it came from.

"Hello? Where are you? Who are you?" AJ asked, looking under his bed, in his closet, and all around.

"AJ, I can only communicate to you inside your head. Something happened that has never happened before nor will never happen again."

"What?" asked AJ

"Just listen. Something happened last night that wasn't supposed to happen. You broke the barrier when we touched. I have been watching you for a very long time. We need to talk. Your family, your life is in danger."

AJ sat back on his bed rocking back and forth. He is either going mad crazy or this is real. Either way, this was bad news.