She awoke with a start. She wasn’t sure how, but she knew someone was in her room. “Who’s there?” she asked, fighting to keep her voice steady.

A voice from the darkest corner of the room said, “Someone who has wanted to meet you for a very, very long time.”

“Who…” she started, not sure she wanted an answer.

“Someone who knows you,” he interrupted, “even though you have struggled long and hard not to know me. Know me? No, you know me. You just don’t acknowledge me.”

“Who are you?!” she yelled. Fear became panic.

“I am the dream of sinners and the nightmare of saints. I reside in everyone. I am vice to your virtue, darkness to your light.”

Panic threatened to turn to terror. “What are you talking about?” Tears started to run down her face.

“You, my dear, have devoted so much energy to suppressing your dark side, you actually fed it. And that energy gave it… Gave me life, so I can indulge in all the dark passions you have denied yourself. I’m your son, in a way.” He laughed

“Happy Mother’s Day.”