I found myself standing in a world shrouded in endless fog, the air thick and heavy, dampening sound and sight. The path before me was unknown, obscured by the mist that seemed to swallow the very ground beneath my feet.
I started walking, steps hesitant at first, then growing more confident as if compelled by an unseen force. The fog grew denser, and the world around her faded to shades of grey. I walked for a long time, my sense of time distorted, each step feeling like an eternity.
Suddenly, the ground gave way, and I was falling in darkness, the air rushing past me as I descended into an abyss. My heart raced, my breath caught in my throat, and a sense of dread filled me
As I fell, a sound emerged from the depths—a hymn, an ancient song, maybe... then I saw it. An ancient cloaked figure appeared before me, its face hidden in shadow, its hands raised as if conducting the melody that filled the void. The figure's voice was both beautiful and terrifying, a song of sorrow and longing that seemed to resonate with my very soul. I knew it was important...something I should know...but I could not understand it. I reached out, desperate to understand, to escape the nightmare that held me. But as quickly as it began, cracks started to appear in the void and in that moment I could see it...staring at me. Its lips forming something... incomprehensible words...
"....soon...time has come..."
Then the dream shattered.
.....
Slowly I opened my eyes, staring blankly at the ceiling. I was covered in cold sweat. I couldn't think for a while, confused. Sunlight poured from a half-closed curtain indicating a new day had begun and that it was reality.
The Sun rose each morning, casting its golden glow upon the city. As usual, I woke up to the familiar sounds, the creaking of the stairs, and the aroma of breakfast wafting from the kitchen. Slowly, I rose from my bed listening to the common sounds of bickering and chatter from lower floors. Involuntarily, I smiled. The days that followed the festival were like delicate origami, each fold revealing a new facet of life. My life returned to its usual routine-the comforting rhythm of family and friends. The memory of the encounter remained but life moved forward and months passed in a blur. Soon only one week remained before the start of the new school semester. After completing my morning routine washing my face and brushing my teeth as well as fixing my unruly hair in the semblance of order. I changed out of my pyjamas, now a mess. I felt the pendant dangling from my neck, one of the few things my parents left behind. It felt cool against my skin bringing a sense of comfort and an indication of reality. Looking at the mirror I sighed like a person deprived of sleep.
It's quite right to describe my situation. It's not the first time I've had this nightmare and the most distressing part is- I never remember it after waking up. But it undoubtedly leaves some side effects. I always feel disoriented and at a loss. In those times only this cold metallic weight connects me with reality. Forcing myself to concentrate I descended the stairs. The minimal and simple design of our three-story house greeted me. Large windows framed the view of the street below. The front of my house served as a small bakery shop so one could see the main gate clearly from the second-floor windows. While the back and upper two floors as our residence. I could see my elder sister Haya putting up the shop sign. As I reached the ground floor the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped me. My sister Haya was standing at the kitchen counter, her apron dusted with flour.
"Good morning, dear," She said her voice warm and gentle. "Breakfast is almost ready." "Good morning," I replied.
Seiya, my elder brother and her twin sister Rumina sat at the counter, the former engrossed in the morning newspaper and the latter enjoying their cup of coffee. Seiya raised his head meeting my gaze. "Did you have a nightmare Sakura?" he asked as I sat across from him.
"Uh..." I hesitated, recalling the dream I barely remembered. " Nothing significant. Why do you ask?"
He set aside the newspaper, " Was it nothing...you have dark circles you know?" "And it sort of appears on your face." Rumi also chimed in.
Uh...looks like my appearance has betrayed me...yet again. Although I tried to hide it.Alas!
"Is it serious? Was it the usual one? Didn't you say it stopped? Then why...??" Haya worriedly asked, wiping her hands on her apron.
I quickly waved my hands," Ah, no no..it's nothing...I'm fine."
"But you look pale...." Haya carefully examined my face concern visible in her beautiful Hazel eyes.
I told her I was fine but my heart knew otherwise. There are many questions...although I don't remember but I have a feeling that's not so good.
" oh....right I'll go to the bookstore in the afternoon," I told them. Hearing my remark, Seiya and Rumi glanced at each other,
"Are you sure? You are not feeling well...Will you be all right?"
" Don't go alone at least take someone with you...this problem has resurfaced...maybe you'll fall sick again."
" right..." Haya also commented. I smiled bitterly at their reactions. That's why I wanted to hide it. It's not the first time but I don't want them to worry so much. I know they love me and care about me...and that is also the reason I don't like worrying about them. Ahh... I sighed from the bottom of my heart, literally.
After an hour of persuading my worried siblings, I finally got permission to go. Not to forget, the previous time I had to kneel and beg to visit the festival. Anyway, books are my only companions and the bookstore can be called my second home if nothing else. I have to go there, especially when I had that terrible dream...nightmare again... to soothe my mind.