The One

Happy moment ruined

   Weeks passed, and the dreams came more frequently, leaving her increasingly frustrated with the creature's seemingly gentlemanly habit of observing her from afar.

    Determined to take charge of her dreams, she decided it was time to confront the wolf. "This nonsense needs to stop," she thought resolutely. "I need some answers, and if you're not coming to me, then I'll find you myself." She felt a surge of determination wash over her. "I'll ask that wolf what its problem is, even if I sound foolish doing it. I need my sleep back before I really start losing my mind!"

    Tonight, however, the dream unfolded in an unexpected setting. She was surrounded by the chaotic joy of her family—a rare vacation with her parents, siblings, and their significant others, not to mention the lively presence of her nieces and nephews. Laughter filled the air; some splashed in the water while others enjoyed a picnic beneath a grand oak tree.

    Amidst the cheerful mayhem, she couldn't help but wonder, 'Since when did my family grow? I only recall it being my parents, my sister, and me—but more the merrier, right?' she chuckled inwardly, recalling her grandparents' favourite saying.

    The swimming took place in a stream hidden deep within the woods, watched over by a strikingly handsome tour guide. She found herself entranced, unable to join in the fun due to her deep-water phobia—stemming from three near-drowning incidents that left her uneasy beneath the surface. Yet, even as she admired the guide, she sensed an enchanting pulse in the woods around her. A glowing path seemed to beckon her, enticing her curiosity.

    "I can just take a short walk, then return before I miss anything," she reasoned, brushing off the dust from her pants as she stood up. With a quick glance back at her family, she ventured off, her thoughts guiding her steps as she strayed further from the joyful chaos, keen to explore the unfamiliar path while remaining vigilant of her route back.

    Suddenly, there it was—the same midnight black wolf, its dark blue fur rimmed with gold, staring back at her. Both seemed bewildered at the unexpected meeting, yet their shared aura was undeniably joyful. The wolf's tail began wagging furiously, akin to a playful pup. It was an adorable sight, one that made her smile instinctively, but the moment the wolf stood, she nearly lost her composure.

    Reacting to her startled expression, the wolf promptly crouched low, trying to appear smaller. This playful effort made her giggle softly. The wolf cautiously began to crawl towards her, dragging its belly along the ground in a clumsy yet endearing manner. Although it appeared fierce and majestic, in that moment it was nothing short of utterly adorable.

   As the wolf edged closer, she extended her hands above its head, hovering, her fingers poised as if to pat it but hesitating, seeking its approval. The wolf, sensing her intent, lowered its majestic head to the ground, and with a burst of joy, she patted it gently. Its thick coat was surprisingly soft to the touch, an unexpected delight that sent warmth radiating through her. Giggling with excitement, she caressed the wolf's massive head and scratched its chin, lost in their enchanting moment. However, the spell was shattered by the handsome tour guide's voice, calling out her name with urgency.

    The wolf slowly rose, stepping back and disappearing into the depths of the jungle, leaving her bewildered and slightly irritated, seated amid the greenery. A fiery urge to kick the tour guide surged within her for ruining their rare connection—a connection that transcended mere observers in the wild.

    As the tour guide approached, she took a deep breath, striving to compose herself before unleashing her frustration on their only guide. Without a second thought, he turned and strode towards the assembly point, oblivious to her turmoil. She followed, quickening her pace to catch up, her heart racing. When she reached the meeting point, she was met with the tour guide's disconcerting smirk, making her skin crawl.

    Just as she opened her mouth to express her ire, her alarm blared obnoxiously, yanking her from the dream into the harshness of reality. "Stupid alarm!" she yelled, thumping her pillow in frustration. "ARGHH! How I wish I'd had the chance to sock that handsome tour guide!"

    With a deep exhale, she screamed her frustration into the soft fabric, feeling the echoes of her encounter linger.