Into the Black Hole

Chapter 13: Why Do We Dream?

Either I rarely dream when I sleep, or I forget my dreams when I wake. Tonight, however, I'm certain this is a dream.

Both the Sun and the Moon loom over me, a hundred times bigger than they usually are. The Sun dims, and the Moon brightens. The cirrocumulus clouds drift closer to the celestial objects, but instead of blocking them out, they travel behind them. Constantly changing color, the sky morphs from blue to pink to purple to red, while people riding the self-driving hovercrafts and automobiles pay no attention.

Hovercrafts travel by air, automobiles travel by ground, and individuals can apply to operate both in autopilot mode. It's almost too easy to enter your destination, then take a nap, watch a movie, or catch up on work while in the moving vehicle, never worrying about crashing. In fact, autopilot is so safe that it's against the law to own a vehicle that can be driven by humans. Only select individuals in the IF and other military branches, including myself, are exempted from this law.

I can suspend my disbelief enough to accept the impossible astronomical event in the sky, but not the man who's strolling next to me with my arm hooked around his. The cobblestone streets filled with pedestrians lead us past diners, boutiques, and pharmacies, yet my eyes linger on the man's tense expression.

"Hey, Duarte, are you thinking about earlier?"

With the intensity of igneous rock, his dark brown eyes transfix mine, causing my steps to falter. "No," he responds, expression dissolving into a warm smile. "Just wondering where you would like to eat."

I nudge him. "Have you tried asking me?"

"Of course not. That would be too easy."

I lift my other hand, palm facing out. "Don't complain later about me making your life difficult. You bring this on yourself."

"I want to make a good impression."

"You have four years to make up for."

Duarte dips his head. "I know."

I slow my gait and pull him back until we've stopped. Placing a hand on his cheek, I oblige his eyes to meet mine. They're wet, and I instantly regret what I said. "I'm sorry. It was a joke."

He smiles in an attempt to brighten the mood. "I'm good." He shakes me off and unhooks his arm to grab my hand. "Come on. I know a great bibimbap place on Olympic. Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options."

I let him guide me forward. When did Duarte and I become friends? We never enjoy each other's company, and I still haven't forgiven him...

Doesn't matter. This is a dream. Nothing matters.

"Perfect." I peek to see if we blocked anyone's path, but the streets are empty. That's strange. Just a second ago, hovercrafts and automobiles crowded the roads while pedestrians jaywalked and bustled through the streets. Lights still stream from the shops and restaurants, but there are no people to be found.

"Hey, am I losing my mind or did—" My voice cuts off in a strangle as I turn back around. I'm not holding Duarte's hand. Instead, my fingers are wrapped around a parking pole whose white sign with navy letters reads:

EMPIRICAL

PARKING ONLY

ALL OTHERS WILL BE

TOWED AND OBLITERATED

Well now, I didn't know parking signs could be bigoted. Seems a bit unreasonable.

But where did I misplace Duarte? I release the pole and scour the street. I almost miss the only figure present, because she isn't moving. She stands about two blocks west, dressed in an all-white flowy dress that brushes the ground. She's facing away from me, her silky black hair with streaks of silver reaching below her hips and reflecting the moonlight.