The trickling of swords and the screams of soldiers could be heard everywhere. Gray smoke and a foul smell deteriorated the air. Blood gushed like volcanic eruptions. She felt like crying and screaming, desperate to escape from that dreaded place. Wet, sticky hands grabbed her. "Please save us," echoed in her ears. Nim woke up, out of breath, her clothes soaked with sweat. It was just a dream, but it felt so realistic.

Ever since she turned eighteen, she had been having this same weird dream frequently. She had no idea why she was experiencing such dreams and hadn't shared them with anyone, afraid of what they might think. She jumped out of bed and went downstairs to the washroom. In the mirror, she saw a scared image of herself.

"What's wrong with me these days?" she asked herself. Then, she took a warm shower.

"Sweetheart, you woke up?" asked her mother.

"Yes, Mom," she replied, changing her tone to sound more cheerful. She didn't want to scare her mother by looking so pale.

She went back to her room to get ready for school. Nim had straight, chestnut-brown hair that framed her fair skin perfectly. Her slender figure made her appear delicate, but her pretty brown eyes held a depth and strength that hinted at her inner resilience. She was often described as pretty, with a natural charm that didn't need much enhancement.

Today marked the first day of her final year in high school. As a senior, the pressure was on. Her dream was to get into a prestigious medical college. Nim knew she had the intelligence for it, but her challenge was her lack of consistent hard work. This year, however, she had resolved to change that. Determined to build better study habits and stay focused, she was ready to give it her all.

As she brushed her hair and dressed in her school uniform, she took a moment to look around her room. The walls were adorned with posters of famous doctors and medical pioneers, a constant reminder of her aspirations. Her desk was neatly organized, with textbooks and notebooks stacked in preparation for the challenging year ahead.

"If you're done, come have breakfast, sweetie," her mother called from downstairs, her voice filled with warmth and encouragement.

"Okay, Mom, I'm coming," Nim replied, trying to inject cheerfulness into her voice. She didn't want her mother to worry about her.

She grabbed her school bag and headed downstairs. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and toast filled the air, creating a comforting and familiar atmosphere. Her mother had laid out a nutritious breakfast, knowing how important it was for Nim to start her day with a good meal.

Sitting at the kitchen table, Nim's mind wandered back to her dream. It had been so vivid, so real. She could still hear the screams and feel the desperation in the air. Shaking her head to dispel the lingering unease, she focused on the present.

"You look a bit pale, sweetheart. Everything okay?" her mother asked, concern etched in her voice.

Nim forced a smile. "I'm fine, Mom. Just a little nervous about the first day of school."

Her mother smiled warmly. "That's normal. Just remember, you can achieve anything you set your mind to."

Nim nodded, taking comfort in her mother's words. She quickly finished her breakfast, eager to face the day and prove to herself that she could overcome any challenge.

As she walked to the bus stop, the cool morning air helped clear her mind. She resolved to push aside the disturbing dreams and focus on her goals. This year would be different; she would make sure of it.