Snakes in my dreams

I have recurring nightmares. They always have snakes and they always leave me wide awake with my heart pounding and my breathing fast.

I am scared of snakes. I am so scared of snakes that even the thought of them makes my heart beat faster and makes me feel anxious. Like right now. Slow down heart, there's no snakes here.

Those snakes are a big part of my insomnia. It seems like when I feel stressed or upset, or even just a little off, those slithery, green, legless serpents wiggle their creepy little ways into my sleepy mind.

Usually, they aren't even scary snakes. Usually, they might even seem a bit cute to someone who's not me. They're little and bright green and have big eyes. There's a few of them and they just sway there in front of me. Not threatening, not hurting. Just there, swaying back and forth. But that's enough to keep me awake for the rest of the night. Sometimes, I feel bad that I am so frightened of them.

Last night, it was different. Last night, they looked different. Last night, they chased me. Around and around and around the house. Last night they attacked me with their pointy, sharp fangs. Last night, it was more than quick breathing and pounding heart.

Last night, I woke myself up screaming.