The Unseen Terror

Friends and family stopped inviting Robert to the beach since he never showed up when they invited him for anything, whether it a swim, a picnic, or a party. I don't think he hated the sea. The salty water in his hair and the sand between his toes weren't it.

On a bright Monday afternoon, Robert accompanied his parents to the beach. He was twelve years. The waves lashed the coast softly, trees swaying from side to side. A large blanket had been laid out by Robert's parents to sit on, his mother was unpacking the picnic basket and while the father prepared an umbrella.

“Go on, Robert,” his dad encouraged. "But don't go far from our sight"

Robert nodded happily as he ran towards the ocean. He enjoyed being in the water. Splashing around and leaping over waves was something he adored. He sprinted to the water's edge and felt the icy spray on his feet. Running deeper in, he chuckled. He continued to sprint until the water level approached his legs and eventually reached his waist.

Then an unusual event occurred, the water surrounding him started to swirl, he felt a motion near his leg. As he looked down, he saw a shadowy monster-like creature move under the surface of the ocean. He had never seen such a creature in his 12 years on this earth. Robert tried to ran towards the beach, but he couldn’t. His legs felt heavier and he stood there not knowing what to do next.

"Mom! Dad!" He tried screaming for help but his voice could not be heard.

Robert looked down again and saw two shinny eyes peering up at him from under the surface of the water as the shadowy figure drew nearer and nearer. He felt his legs being tied together and the shadow creature began to drag him beneath the sea.

A total blackout struck. Robert could feel a steadily increasing pull downwards but he was helpless and could not do anything to save himself. He struggled to move, unable to yell or kick as the grip in his legs became tighter anytime he tried to kick.

The icy water was crushing down on him, and he was afraid he was going to die. Robert yelled an ear piercing scream, "Mum, dad! Help me!”

Robert felt a vigorous shake and upon opening his eyes, he was surrounded by his family members beside his bed. Gasping for air, his parents and his younger sister stood by the bedside, their faces filled with fear.

"Are you okay, Robert?" His mother asked in a shaky voice.

"It is just a nightmare, don't be afraid," His father added.

Though he did not feel well, Robert nodded. He was still sweating profusely. What had transpired was beyond his comprehension.

With his dad's assistance, Robert was able to sit up and gaze out through the window. The sky was blue and he could hear children playing outside.

"Let's go have breakfast, you mother has prepared your favorite," his dad stated. Robert said he would never return to the beach because what he experienced in the dream was like a reality to him.

Even as he tried to go to the beach, he could not shake that dream of his mind. He couldn't forget how that monstrous creature grabbed his legs and almost drowned. A shiver went down his spine every time he saw the water.

After a few years passed, Robert was persuaded to visit the beach by his friends. Despite his fears, they assured him it would be enjoyable.

They assured him that he would only seat there and watch them surf. Even though they had lost hope in asking him to accompany them, they persuaded him until he agreed.

After settling into their beachfront area, Robert took a seat on the blanket and watched his friends surf.

They seemed to be having a good time and Robert thought that this could be the best time he could try to overcome his fears.

Despite Robert's best efforts, he couldn't escape the unsettling sensation that someone or something was observing him.

He stood up and began walking towards the ocean. His friends cheered him up, “You can do this buddy, and see nothing is happening to us.”

Truly, nothing horrible occurred even when he dipped his toes in the water. He began to wonder why he had been afraid all those years yet it was only a dream.

He ran back, grabbed his surfing board, and joined others in surfing.

As the sun began to set, they all grabbed their items and left the beach. Each chatting happily and congratulating Robert for overcoming his fears.

As they were having dinner, Robert happily narrated to his parents how happy he was that he had overcame his fears for water.

“It was our idea that your friends drag you along as we thought it would be a good idea.” His mother chuckled.

“And indeed it was.” Added his father.

Everyone at the table laughed.

Robert thought to himself, “Indeed dreams are not a reality and there was no reason for me to be afraid.”