Who's the real Monster?

I sighed heavily at the question.

Knowing that this could take awhile I decided to lay down before responding. In short the 'Afterlife' is a place where a lot of people believe their souls go to when they die.

'Souls'?

Aye I thought to myself.

Nightmare asked Why are things so complicated for you humans? I just want answers.

Inhaling deeply I thought of the best way to explains things. Newsflash all human beings are complicated. To answer you question; A 'soul' isn't something physical or corporeal. A soul is what makes human beings unique, it's the part of us that makes each of us different. To me, a soul is what defines us human beings as individuals. A soul gives us the capacity to love, to hate, give instead of being greedy, to be good or to be evil. What defines our souls is what we decide to do in life. That's the truest sense of free will we have.

Free will?

It's a packaged deal with a soul.

Do I have free will?

Of course you do. You're a conscious being. Just because you're living inside me doesn't mean you're not your own being.

I felt Nightmare begin to leave my body. A sensation of being touched made me rise to my feet. Seeing that my shadow was no longer there I saw a black wispy form that I knew was Nightmare.

"Can you take on a human form?" I asked.

"I can try."

Watching the black wisp take on a more solid form it didn't take long before Nightmare looked like a human being.

Nightmare took on the form of my favorite artist. A tall man with a strong angular face that could cut diamonds, long raven hair, broad shoulders, and beautiful eyes that are red instead of the original green.

I couldn't stop myself from touching Nightmare's face. I could feel actual skin under my fingertips.

Nightmare's eyes closed as my hand cupped Nightmare's face. I gently rubbed my thumb along Nightmare's cheekbone. That's when Nightmare leaned into my touch. It reminded me of when I would pet my dog and he wanted more. I thought to myself Is this the first time Nightmare has ever been touched gently?

Nightmare answered my question with a mutter "It is".

My brow furrowed at that answer. Using my other hand I took a hold of Nightmare's. I thought to myself Maybe I should try to cut Nightmare some slack.

Again Nightmare answered my thoughts out loud "That would be nice and I think it's needed".

Taking in a deep breathe I said "As long as you follow some ground rules I think I can oblige".

"What rules?" Nightmare asked holding my hand tightly.

"For starters; Never take hold of my body without permission, never change my form without asking again, and never bring up my past to others or myself."

Nightmare looked deeply into my eyes before nodding. Then in an instance Nightmare embraced me tightly to whisper into my ear "Thank you."

Taken aback I eventually wrapped my arms around Nightmare to show that I held no ill will between us.

Nightmare held me tighter before seeping back into my body. Nightmare told me That was nice.

It's called comfort I said.

I didn't even know that I needed it.

You can think our captures for that.

Nightmare stirred inside me. Before I could ask why Nightmare said You said 'our' for the first time.

Signing I decided not to fight Nightmare this time. Nightmare is as much a part of this community as I am.

Again thank you Nightmare told me.

For what I couldn't stop myself from asking.

For finally seeing me as one of you.