Saving Us All

I put on my headphones, walk up to the microphone and start singing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U7bCSZ4NBA

Just Sleep, just Dream

Just Sleep, just Dream

Just Sleep, just Dream

In the back of my mind

I was trying to chase a monster this whole time

But I couldn't see

The monster was me

And no one heard our cries

Now I've run out of tears

The time's come for me to disappear

Get me out of this mess

And away from this stress

Set me free so I can rest!

We're only kids who lost our way

But if we wait long enough then we'll be saved

Just Sleep, just Dream

This isn't fair

No we're not just what we seem

We want to fly

But our souls are trapped inside

It's not a game not to play

For fools who hide

Just Sleep, just Dream

It's only a nightmare

And soon we'll be set free

And I'm cryin' out for help

I know I'm blind but I mean well

Can you see my disguise

I'm different inside

Can you break this spell

Now the ghosts from before

Their knocking

And breakin' down the door

So please set us free

You have the key

'Cause I can't take the pain no more

We're only kids who lost our way

But if we wait long enough then we'll be saved

Just Sleep, just Dream

This isn't fair

No we're not just what we seem

We want to fly

But our souls are trapped inside

It's not a game not to play

For fools who hide

Just Sleep, just Dream

It's only a nightmare

And soon we'll be set free

We're only kids who lost our way

But if we wait long enough then we'll be saved

Just Sleep, just Dream

This isn't fair

No we're not just what we seem

We want to fly

But our souls are trapped inside

It's not a game not to play

For fools who hide

Just Sleep, just Dream

It's only a nightmare

And soon we be set free

Tears run down my pale cheeks, as I relive the nightmare of my childhood. That cursed place will haunt me for eternity.

"Nice job today. I know it makes you upset, but at least you're releasing that evil energy." My producer says through a microphone.

I wipe away the tears and toss my long black hair away from my face. "I'm just glad it's over." I take the headphones off and leave the recording room. I plop onto a nearby couch and hold my head with one hand. My head hurts from my crying.

My name is Erica, I'm a famous musician. But I'm also a victim of Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria. I should've died along with my friends, but I somehow survived. I've tried every therapy, every kind of meditation, nothing has worked. So far making music has helped, but I still have nightmares and night terrors.

My parents moved in with me. They do whatever during the day, but my mom helps me sleep at night. It's sad but, what can you do?

I've only recorded one song today, and I'm already exhausted.

My Manager comes in and sits next to me. "So, how'd it go?"

"Fine, it was just one song."

I can feel her disappointment. "How have the nightmares been?"

"I feel like they have been getting worse lately. I don't think I've slept in two days."

"Therapy isn't helping? What about your medication?" She strokes my hair and lays my head on her chest.

"I'm trying the exercises, but they don't work with the music I make. And the medications turn me into a zombie, so I haven't been taking them."

She stops for a second. "Erica, you've been taking that one, right?"

"Yes, I'm not allowed to stop taking that one, mom's orders." That one keeps me from going crazy.

"Did you take it this morning?"

"Yes, mom. I haven't seen them for a few days."

She doesn't say anything. We stay like that for a while until I somehow fall asleep.

I wake up sitting at a table, with a white polka dot cover. There's party hats and plates, and confetti everywhere. Suddenly a giant blue hand puts a plate of pizza in front of me..

I know that it's Bonnie. I look up and he has his guitar with him. He waves at me and walks away towards the stage.

Freddy and Chica are still standing up there, staring at me.

The place is deserted, no signs of activity anywhere. Hopping off the chair, I look around. This is definitely the place that ruined my life.

I feel like everything is bigger than me, my body must be eight again. Hesitantly I walk towards the stage, tears poking at the back of my eyes. I try to hold myself for comfort, but it doesn't help.

I can't help but move towards the open door by the stage, it's where the Golden Bunny stays.

That's where he lured my friends and took them away, one by one.

He comes out of the shadowed doorway, reaching out his hand for me to take.

Knowing what he'll do next, I can't help but stay there, frozen in fear.

He grabs me by my hair and drags me into the room.

I try to pull away from him, but his grip is too strong for my small arms.

All of a sudden Freddy appears, and grabs my ankles. He pulls me towards him.

The Golden Bunny grabs my arms and pulls me in his direction.

They're fighting over me? Is my life really that important to them?

I feel my back cracking, and that's when I wake up.

I jolt awake on the same couch. I'm covered in sweat, and my hands are shaking.

Suddenly there's a hand on my shoulder.

Out of reflex, I smack it away. "Don't touch me!"

"Are you okay?" It's my manager. "Did you have another nightmare?"

"Yeah." I get up and walk away before she asks anymore questions. I head to the parking lot and sit in my car. Unable to hold it in, I practically ball my eyes out. Once I finish, I wipe away the tears, and drive home.

When I get home, I head up to my room and slam the door behind me. I plop onto my overly large bed. "How can I get rid of this? When will this nightmare end?" I ask myself the same questions everyday, never knowing the answers.

The door opens, and my mother comes in. "Hey, how are you feeling today?"

"The same, I don't know why they still haunt me. That fucking bunny is the worst one."

"What happened this time?" She asks, climbing into my bed. She holds me close, and gently rubs my back.

I tell her about my nightmare, and luckily I don't cry this time.

"I think there is a way to help."

"By killing myself?"

She smacks the back of my head. "Don't you dare think that way. What I'm trying to say is that you should go back. Gather your strength and face it."

I don't even know if I can do that." I sit up.

"I believe in you. I wish I could come with you, but this is something that you have to do on your own." She brushes my hair out of my face.

"I'll have to think about that, right now I'm too scared."

"You go when you're ready, go and don't look back."

We stay together for the rest of the night.

The next morning my mother calls a private investigator to find the old pizzeria.

"Alright, thank you." She hangs up the phone, and looks at me. "I'll call when I find out more information. Go to work."

I sigh and head to the studio to record.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITy4VVHghiQ

Hush now drift off to sleep

Reality a memory

Don't be scared of what you find

Yeah it's all just in your mind

Monsters that live inside

Your head at night they are alright

'Cause they can never compare

To the ones that live outside

So dream dream dream your dream

'Cause when you're awake the nightmare awaits

So dream, dream dream your dream

'Cause when you're awake the nightmare awaits

It's a fantasy they'll be seeing you soon

Nowhere left to go terrors keep breaking through

So dream dream dream your dream

'Cause when you're awake the nightmare will become the truth

Rows of teeth penetrate

There's no escape the veil is raised

Every mistake visible

So was it me after all

A music box that creaks

The melody brings solemn peace

But only for one more breath

The last one you might have left

So dream dream dream your dream

'Cause when you're awake the nightmare awaits

So dream dream dream your dream

'Cause when you're awake the nightmare awaits

It's a fantasy they'll be seeing you soon

Nowhere left to go terrors keep breaking through

So dream dream dream your dream

'Cause when you're awake the nightmare will become the truth

The ticking clock breaks the spell with every beat

Illusion or not you are safe for now so dream

So dream your dream

So dream your dream

So dream dream dream your dream

'Cause when you're awake the nightmare awaits

So dream dream dream your dream

'Cause when you're awake the nightmare awaits

It's a fantasy they'll be seeing you soon

Nowhere left to go terrors keep breaking through

So dream dream dream your dream

'Cause when you're awake the nightmare will become the truth

"That sounds awesome! What do you think, should we do one more?"

"Sure, I think I got something new for you this time."I grab a guitar, and give myself a tempo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPrDvCPGHbk

Was it you

Or was it me

Is this a nightmare

Or just a dream

I've lost my mind

I've lost myself

Am I at home

Or am I in hell

I'm in my room

They're by my side

My little monsters

They try to hide

I've tried to run

They're close behind

I cry for help

But no one's in sight

But now I'm home

Right where I belong

And I cannot stay strong

And in my mind

It's what I deserve all along

Just let me go

I'm trapped within my home

They left me all alone

It's all I know

And as my fear grows

It's where I call my home

They're in my room

They're in the halls and underneath my bed

They say I'm sick

Well maybe I'm just better off dead

Their wicked words

They cut my nerves

And make me feel like I'm nothing

They say get closer but I'm scared

They put me down, no this isn't fair

They mock my name

Put me to shame

So like balloons, I'll float away

But now I'm home

Right where I belong

And I cannot stay strong

And in my mind

It's what I deserve all along

(just let me go)

(it's where I call my home)

(just let me go)

Can you even hear me cry?

I know you're broken deep inside

I swear I'll put you back together

But now I'm home

Right where I belong

And I cannot stay strong

And in my mind

It's what I deserve all along

"I'll have to work on that for you. I'll let you know when I'm done. Good job today."

I grab some water and plop onto the same couch.

My manager comes in and shoves a slip of paper in my face.

"What's this?" I ask, taking it.

"Your salvation. I assume you're going on vacation?"

"I guess you can say that." If you consider facing your inner demons a vacation.

"I guess I'll see you when you get back."

"Yeah, it's a solo trip. I'm going to better myself."

"Good luck."

"Thanks."

I get out of my car, and stare at the abandoned pizzeria. "It's been twelve long years, hasn't it Freddy?"

By now, half the sign has fallen apart, and windows are boarded up. To my surprise the door is in one piece.

I walk up to the door. I reach for the handle and hesitate. My body is trying to get into my car and drive away as fast as I can. Clenching my fists, I grab the door handle. For some reason I sigh, as if that's the hardest thing I've ever done. Slowly, I open the door. Why is it unlocked? I shook it off, mom probably got in touch with the owner and they unlocked it for me. Taking a deep breath, I step inside.