The recurring nightmare symbolizing Charlie's fear of his father.
increasingBearing strength in each eventdecreasing
The Childhood Nightmare
The First Dream
The Creaking Sound
Charlie remembers waking up in the dark and hearing a creaking sound. He is terrified. The sound is coming from his parents' room.
The Realization
He later realizes the Creaking Thing is his father. The dream represents his fear of his father's violence.
The Recurrence
The dream returns after the failed sexual encounter with Dana Collette. It is a symbol of his psychological trauma.
