In Her Dreams

Lourdes Garza

Go to school, do homework, go home, sleep. Repeat, Repeat. Go to school, do homework, go home, sleep, “wake up ” - wait, that was different. I was asleep but completely conscious. I walked around and walked into the first coffee shop I saw. I walked in and she walked out. I stood there holding the door for her while she stared intensely into my eyes. “You gonna go?” I asked her. And she was gone just like that. As I stood there, I contemplated what was happening. It all seemed so real and as if it was not my own dream but someone else’s. Everything slowly faded and I was back in my room. All my life has been filled with routines. No surprises, no fear, no nothing. I was safe. In a blink of an eye my life flipped. She walked out of the shop, just as confused as I was. I didn’t know who she was and it was for the best. No need for attention, no need for change. Keep my head forward and live life normal. Wait, one new friend isn’t that bad, is it? Even if she didn’t exist I had to find her in her dreams once more. Okay, yeah, go to school, do homework, go home, sleep, “wake up ” . Little by little my normal changed. I would see her again and again until all I could think about was asking her out. I couldn’t explain it, but I had this feeling that she was real. I saw her the next night and just popped the question.

However, before she could answer, I faded into reality and she was gone. I was eager to get a response. Nervous but ready. I went to sleep and I awoke. I didn’t see her anymore. Again and again I slept to go see her, but now I only slept in complete darkness. The next morning, I walked around campus when she suddenly passed me. She held her head down low and seemed to be bothered by something. In that moment, my heart raced knowing I’m in her dreams once more, wait- I’m awake! I called out to her and asked once more, “Do you have an answer for me now?”. Years passed and seasons changed, but she remained the same. No need for schedules and routines when I’m with her. I am free.