I found myself lost in the depths of a dark forest, my heart racing as I sprinted, desperately trying to escape from an unseen pursuer. The thick foliage surrounded me, branches clawing at my skin as I ran. The moon hung high in the night sky, its pale light the only source of guidance in the oppressive darkness. Each step I took sent dry leaves crackling underfoot, their sounds echoing ominously as if they were warning me of the danger lurking behind.
Panic surged through me as I glanced over my shoulder, catching a glimpse of a shadow flitting between the trees. I pushed myself to run faster, but the wild underbrush snagged at my clothes and slowed my progress. The thorns of the brambles tore at my arms, and I winced as the warmth of blood trickled down, a stark reminder of my perilous situation. Just as I thought I might escape, a gnarled branch caught my foot, sending me sprawling to the ground.
"DAMN IT!" I shot up in bed, gasping for air, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. I rubbed my eyes and shook my head to dispel the remnants of the nightmare that clung to me like a shadow. "That was the worst I've encountered—worse than last night." I spoke to myself, a habit I'd picked up to chase away the lingering fear.
As I flicked on the lights, they cast a warm glow around my room, contrasting sharply with the cold terror I had just felt. My gaze drifted to the open window, where the moonlight spilled into the room, illuminating the space with a silvery sheen. "Oh, my lovely lonely night, with your pretty moon… why do you always have to be so cruel?" I lamented, feeling small against the weight of the dream, which seemed so much more real than my waking life.
The following morning dawned bright and busy. Mom had gone shopping, promising to return by noon, leaving me alone in the house. The living room was cozy, dominated by a large table at its center, surrounded by two plush couches facing each other. A big flower vase sat atop the glass table, bursting with fresh roses that filled the air with their sweet fragrance. Next to the vase, a family photo caught my eye—a frame containing a snapshot of my parents and me.
In that picture, Dad looked young and vibrant in a black shirt and pants, while Mom was radiant in her purple dress adorned with white polka dots. I could still recall the joy that lit up her face the day they adopted me when I was just six. They had come to the orphanage, their hopes and dreams tied to a little girl they would soon call their own. I remembered the day vividly, filled with laughter and the promise of a new life.
Suddenly, my attention was drawn to an envelope placed beside the frame. "To the Zengtocks," it read, its formal tone immediately raising my curiosity. A flicker of anxiety coursed through me. What could it be? Important documents from Dad or perhaps something from Mom? I hesitated, torn between the urge to discover its contents and the fear of invading their privacy.
Just then, the shrill ring of the telephone broke my thoughts. I rushed to answer it, my heart racing as I picked up. "Why is your phone not reachable?" Mom asked, her voice sounding fatigued, likely from her long shopping trip. "The battery is dead, Mom! What happened?" I replied, wondering if I had done something wrong.
"Whatever, do me a favor. I received a notification about an envelope that was delivered. Can you open it and read it for me? Tell me what it says afterward," she instructed hurriedly before hanging up.
"Damn it!" I muttered under my breath, my curiosity now fully piqued. I tore open the envelope, my fingers trembling in anticipation. Inside was a letter from EV University, one of the most prestigious institutions known for its rigorous academic programs.
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To: The Zengtock Family
From: Evren's Victor University
Subject: Admission
Dear Esteemed Zengtocks,
It is with immense pleasure and pride that we extend our warmest congratulations to you. We are delighted to inform you that your ward, Ms. Zengtock, has been selected for admission to Evren's Victor University. Your child's exceptional achievements and potential have truly impressed our admissions committee, and we believe she will thrive in our vibrant academic community.
We cordially invite her to join us starting next week, where she will embark on a journey filled with knowledge, exploration, and opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.
Thank you for your trust in us; we look forward to welcoming your family into our prestigious institution.
Warm regards,
Admissions Officer's Name
Ronan James
Evren's Victor University.
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The words seemed to dance off the page, igniting a whirlwind of disbelief and joy within me. "Wait—am I dreaming?" I whispered, my heart racing as the reality of the letter began to sink in. The prestigious EV University wanted ME to be a part of its next cohort? A wave of exhilaration surged through me, mingling with the pulse of adrenaline still thrumming from my nightmare.
Without a moment's hesitation, I scrambled for my phone, my fingers shaking as I dialed Mom's number. "Mom! It's from EV University! They want me to join the college next week! I'M SELECTED, MOM! I'M SELECTED!" My voice trembled with a mix of disbelief and exuberance, a bright light breaking through the darkness of my earlier fears.
Her voice burst through the line, full of excitement and pride. "Oh, my goodness! This is incredible! I'm so proud of you!" she exclaimed, and in that moment, every worry faded away. The weight of my dreams felt tangible, and the world shimmered with the promise of new beginnings.
My mom walked through the door just as the tiny hand of the clock brushed the hour mark of noon. "Congratulations, my little girl! I'm so happy for you, my dear!" she exclaimed, enveloping me in a warm embrace that felt like home.
"Thanks, Mom" I replied, my heart still racing from the thrilling news.
As she wrapped her arms around me, a sudden pain shot through my arm, making me flinch. "What happened?" she asked, pulling back to examine my injury. Her expression shifted from joy to concern as she noticed the fresh cut marring my skin. "When did this happen?"
"I don't know, Mom" I stammered, a chill creeping up my spine. The shock of it all hit me hard—I was horrified to see that the cut was in the exact same place as the one I had sustained in my dream, a vivid reminder of the terror I had just escaped. The realization sent a wave of unease coursing through me, intertwining with the thrill of my acceptance into the university.
As she gently probed the cut with her fingertips, I couldn't help but wonder if the nightmare had been more than just a figment of my imagination. "It looks like it needs to be cleaned up" she said softly, her motherly instinct kicking in.
I nodded, trying to shake off the eerie coincidence. "I guess I just must have bumped into something" I suggested, forcing a smile. But deep down, the unsettling connection lingered, gnawing at the edges of my thoughts as I struggled to comprehend the strange intersection between my dreams and reality.