Apotheosis

Sierra wakes from a nightmare in the wee hours, sweating through the afghan, heart pounding. A haunting light winds its way from the windows, luminous and cathartic.

Across the room, Johannes snoozes away on the couch. She can see him through the humid murky air, a shadow amidst shadows.

Sorting out her dream, her mind still numb. She'd grown branches, and roots.
Each piece of bark an agony to her flesh. To her soul. Until only limb, leaf and trunk remain. Growing heavenward in silent deliberate torment.

Shivering despite the warmth, she leaves the loveseat and curls up with Johannes.