The next I woke up feeling really tired. I couldn't get much sleep after I woke up in the middle of the night thanks to that dream. I couldn't stop thinking about the boy. Have I seen him somewhere else before? According to some psychology post I read somewhere; a person must have seen the faces of the people that appear in their dreams in their life but often don't really remember them. So then there is a possibility that I have seen him before. But where could it be? He would stand out too much wherever he goes, so it's hard to forget about him. But then again, there's also the spiritual perspective. So maybe this dream contains some sort of message for me... Maybe I actually forgot someone who was important to me and this dream is telling me to remember.
Just thinking about it gives me a headache. I need to go get some water. For that I gotta go downstairs... I let out a big sigh and reached for my crutches and headed to the elevator. Ever since the accident even the small things turned into really bothersome tasks. Suddenly I remembered I also saw my parents in the dream. My mom had passed away from brain tumor about two months ago and my dad couldn't survive the traffic accident three weeks ago. I saw them a lot in my dreams since they passed away, but they were completely different in the dream I saw yesterday. My dad never smoked a cigarette and we never went outside to have barbecue, my dad was a very busy man so the only events he joined were the important business dinners. He was making my older brother Jun to attend all the other events that he didn't even bother to join. I felt bad for him at times like this. My other older brother Shin, who was a year older than me also started attending to those events and starting this year I will be attending too... But since I have a fractured leg, Jun might let me off the hook. Things were coming one after another, Jun and Shin, neither of them were there in my dream. I had an older sister and a younger brother. It was definitely a weird dream, where my parents were alive but my brothers weren't there. I don't know what to feel about this... I was kinda happy seeing both of my parents but it would be lonely if my brothers weren't around.
While I was lost in thought I already arrived to the kitchen, I heard loud voices coming from Shin's room. His friends must be here. Well the summer vacation was about to end soon so I could understand that. However I would be glad if they weren't so loud. After I drank some water I saw the plate that had sandwiches. Shin must've prepared those for me. I put the plate on the table and start checking the fridge to see if there was orange juice. I pour some orange juice and finally start eating. I'm glad I brought my phone with me because I wouldn't like to go back upstairs just for that. I see a text from Yumi, my best friend. She always called or texted everyday since my mom passed away. She also came to visit me several times even when I was in the hospital. The context of the text was the same as always, she was checking if I was alright. There was another text today;
" Ken and Ryota are coming back from their trip today. They want to come visit you if that's ok with you."
It was already afternoon and I was still feeling tired. It's been a long time since I saw Ken and Ryota, but it'd be better tomorrow.
"Sorry I'm feeling a bit tired today. Can you come tomorrow if you don't have anything planned?"
She replied almost immediately;
"Sure! Take care and eat lots!"
I smiled at her text, she sounded like an auntie. I wonder how they were doing. I heard about them from Yumi a lot. Ken and Yumi are twins and Ryota is Ken's best friend. They are all my childhood friends and we were hanging out almost everyday until I moved to another country with my mom. It's been three years since then. I wonder if we'll be able to get along like before.
I put the plate and the glass to the dishwasher. Then I head back to the elevator however I was stopped by someone right outside of the kitchen door. He must be one of Shin's friends. He had black hair and he was glaring at me with disgust. His yellow eyes were looking at me from above and with his tall frame he looked intimidating. I thought about ignoring him and walking away, but he was blocking my way. So I asked;
- Is there anything I can help you with?
He clicked his tounge and say;
- You sure got the nerve, breaking into someone's house and acting like you own the place.
- Huh? Wha-
- Guys! We have another stalker here! Someone call the police!
After his yelling I heard a commotion coming from Shin's room, they were all running here. Before I could explain myself the guy in front of me grabbed my arm and say;
- I'm really surprised of the new methods you come with. Using crutches to get pity? Seriously? You only look miserable with that.
- What? Listen, you got it wrong! I'm not a stalker.
He wasn't listening and he started pulling my arm.
- Hey, you're hurting me. Let go!
One of my crutches fall down and I try to balance using the other one. Just when I was struggling Shin and his friends finally arrive to where are. Shin runs to me as soon as he saw me, while yelling;
- Let go of her Joe, she's my sister not a stalker.
The guy who's name is apparently Joe seemed confused and turned to look at me. But then Shin pulls away his hand from me and let me hold onto him;
- Nina are you alright?
I nod and reply with a "Yeah".
Then I hear some of his friends bursting to a laughter;
- Haha, dude the look on your face right now! You look so stupid!
- Hm, having Nina as a stalker doesn't sound so bad.
These two were Shin's childhood friends, so they both know me well. The other however didn't look like he has a clue.
- Since when Shin has a sister? I never heard about this.
Haru, the one who said the second line, say;
- Shin's very protective of his sister, so he rarely talks about her in front of his friends.
Ivan, who bursted into a laughter, picks up the crutch that fell and give it to Shin. Then say;
- But still, they look almost identical. I'm surprised how you couldn't tell just by looking at her face.
Shin helps me walk and say;
- Okay cut it out and go back to my room.
Then he turns to me;
- You should have called me if you needed anything. I told you not to push yourself.
I stare at him, even though he wasn't wrong;
- I'm not pushing myself, I should be able to do this much...
He sighs and say;
- In any case, we should go to the hospital and get you checked by the doctor. I'll call Jun and tell him about what happened.
I wanted to tell him that he was worrying too much, but I could understans why he was acting like this. Now that both our parents are gone, they feel responsible for me. So I couldn't say anything in response. After he helped me go to the living room and made me sit on the sofa, he brought me a bottle of water and called Jun. He explained to him what happened and how I lost my balance. Jun was always quick to act so he said he would be here as soon as possible. I felt guilty for ruining both of their days. Shin noticed it and say;
- Does your leg hurt? Should I call an ambulance?
- It doesn't hurt. Not more than usual anyway.
I lean my head on the sofa and say;
- You should go back to your room, I'll be fine. Jun is on his way so-
- No way, I'm staying with you. You don't have to worry about me and the others. They'll go home soon.
Right after he said that they all come in to say they were going home, a few of them went ahead and only Ivan, Haru and Joe were left. Joe looked embarrassed and Haru was snickering behind him. He said;
- ... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have make assumptions and treat you so roughly.
- It's fine. It's Shin's fault for not telling you even when he invited you here.
Shin looked offended by this;
- How is this my fault? It's your fault for walking down when you should be resting.
I stare at him but before I could say anything Ivan;
- Alright now that Joe's apology is accepted we'll be leaving. Shin, text us how Nina is afterwards.
- Fine...
With that they finally leave and a few minutes later Jun came and they took me to the hospital. After the check-up the doctor said everything was normal so we went back home. We barely talked on the way back.
When we arrived home they helped me go to my room and told me to rest until dinner. I was feeling even more tired than the morning now. I feel so sleepy, I close my eyes. It would be so nice if I can see that boy in my dream again...