x
I try to focus my attention on the words coming out of my teacher's mouth, but I can't. I woke up feeling overwhelmed, scared and anxious. It's still taken me a while to calm down, trying to convince myself that nothing that happened in the dream was real. It's like I can still feel those children's hands around my neck, squeezing with a devilish force. And even though several hours have passed, I still can't get this feeling of anguish off of me.
I get startled when a hand lands on my shoulder, instinctively pushing me away.
- Oh! I'm sorry I scared you. Forgive me. - says my classmate John -.
- Don't worry... It's okay - I answer, with my heart still racing - Did you need something?
- The class has already finished and I was wondering if you wanted to go buy something to eat at the supermarket.
- Of course!
I get up from the chair, I take my things and with the backpack on my shoulder I start to walk after him. John and I chat happily about how boring some classes are compared to others that are so captivating, and how scared we are of the imminent exams. The truth is that he's a very nice boy, somewhat shy when we talk and quite handsome. He's a bit taller than me, lean, strong and with defined muscles. He has these veiny hands that I find fascinating but can't stop looking at every time we talk, and his skin dotted with freckles. His hair is short, shaved at the temples and faded towards the top. He's fair complexioned, with green eyes like a German forest and long eyelashes. He has a gorgeous angular jawline, a Roman bridge nose that I love, and a brilliant smile that could easily light up this entire city.
I had an eye on him as soon as I got to college, and at one point I became interested in him romantically, but since he seemed to show no interest in having anything with me beyond friendship, I decided to put those feelings aside. We hit it off well and I appreciate having him by my side anyway. However, I know well that deep down, if the opportunity to be with him presented itself, I would take it without hesitation.
- So... are you liking how the year is going? - I ask -.
- Yes, I was afraid that I was in the wrong career... But I think I have found my place. I swear to you that when I was little I thought I would end up being a doctor... - he says, sighing dramatically -.
- Well, I'm glad you feel comfortable. In the end, you are going to help people heal one way or another. - I comment, trying to sound comforting -.
He smiles at me and I feel my pulse race. "Claire, control yourself" I tell myself.
- By the way... Are you okay? I see something's different about you today ... As if you were in survival mode. It's weird to explain... But you look like a scared fawn.
I laugh slightly at his quip, realizing that it is, indeed, a pretty accurate description.
- I'm just tired... and there's a strange thing that happened to me tonight. - I start a little hesitantly -.
- Tell me... - he encourages me with a warm smile -.
- I know it sounds stupid, but I had a horrible nightmare today. - I pause as we enter the supermarket - Have you ever had a lucid dream?
- No, what's that?
- A lucid dream is one in which you realize that you are dreaming. I'm not sure how it works, but there are people who say (and I don't know if it's true) that they are even able to control what happens in their dreams when they become conscious. - I explain, trying to pretend that I haven't lost my mind -.
- Sounds super interesting! And do you know why that happens? - he responds enthusiastically as he grabs a bag of chips and a soda -.
- The truth is, I don't...
- But... then, what's wrong with the dream you had yesterday? You mentioned earlier that it was a nightmare, right?
- It was very strange... I dreamed that I was in my school, and suddenly I began to levitate. I found myself suspended twenty meters above the ground when I realized that this was an unlikely scenario and that I had to be dreaming. But as soon as I realized it, the people around me all turned their heads at the same time to look at me. They grabbed me and began to... choke me, suffocate me. It was horrible, because I was aware that I was dreaming, so it was as if I was living it much more intensely, you know?... I woke up super anguished... and I still can't get rid of the feeling. - I say waving my hands over my arms as if I wanted to remove a layer of dust that has settled on me -.
John looks at me worried and pitiful, not knowing what to do. There's infinite sweetness in his eyes and his gaze goes through me with intensity, as if trying to decipher me.
- Oh Claire... I want to help you, but I don't know how. If I touched you without your consent, maybe you would only feel worse... That's why I have to ask, do you think a hug would make you feel better? - he says timidly -.
I nod hesitantly. He gets closer and wraps his arms around me warmly. A chill runs down my spine, making my hair stand on end. His body smells of men's cologne and Axe deodorant, but I don't dislike it, as it has a slight marine scent. I can hear his heart beating under his ribcage, and it's a calming sound.
- Thank you very much. It helped a lot. - I say once we separate -.
- You're welcome, Claire, that's what friends are for. - he responds, opening the soda and offering me a little with a hand gesture -.
I readily accept, feeling grateful to have made such a good friend this year.
- Do you think you'll be okay next time you have a "lucid nightmare"? - he asks, partly mocking and partly concerned -.
- I guess it won't shock me anymore. It just felt so real that I freaked out.
- Don't worry Claire... I understand that dreams can be scary... - he says with a comforting smile - But they are nothing more than that. They aren't real.
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoyMDiPCTt
