The Mistletoe

Chapter VII

During the following year, we finally managed to gather enough money to travel without having to go through hardships. But between October and December of the year 2020, it was particularly strange, especially the weather oscillating between hot and cold.

I began to have strange dreams from time to time, where a young woman with black eyes, pale skin, was walking through a cemetery. I started browsing the internet seeking answers, but most of the websites spoke about a significant change in my life.

My dad was reading a book.

"What are you reading today, Dad?"

"Um, I think it's a gothic novel. On your smartphone again?"

"I'm looking for information about a dream I've been having from time to time," I replied.

"What dream, Miguel?" He looked at me curiously.

"Well, I usually dream about a woman around my age with black hair and also black eyes, with white skin. I usually see her in different settings, sometimes in the forest or in a carriage, or walking in an ancient city. She also changes her clothes, but I often see her in some sort of black dress." I described it rather vaguely because the dream was chaotic and blurry.

My dad took off his glasses, looked at me, and asked, resting his head on his right hand and staring at the ceiling:

"So, you say the city was ancient, but what exact date or period are we talking about, how did people dress?"

"Whoa, slow down, brainiac, let me think, there are too many questions," I began to think because I didn't know the names of the clothing.

I started counting: "There were carriages, usually pulled by two horses. Women wore long dresses, and the girl wore a hat. I think I saw a guy with a high or long hat."

"A top hat, you mean," he said.

"Whatever, and that's... I couldn't recognize more details."

"Perhaps you dreamt about the 19th century, the famous Victorian era," he replied.

"And? What do you think it could be?" I asked him.

"Maybe you read or saw something, and it manifested from that era. In fact, I was just reading this book..."

The phone rang, and I had to answer.

"Sorry, Dad, I'll get back to you in a bit," I said.

My MOBA team called me; we had a ranked match, and I needed to log in to play.

"Dad! I have an important game. We'll talk later!"

"Okay," he said and continued with his book.

I logged into the computer, and we started playing. The match was very close, and we had their carry on the ropes.I was performing really well as a support. Suddenly, the lights went out.

"Oh, come on! Seriously!" I exclaimed.

My dad brought his flashlight, and I grabbed my smartphone. We went to check the circuit breaker and tried to reset it, but with no success. I immediately called the team to pause the game and explained the problem. My father called an electrician to come and check the issue.

I was going crazy. "Dad, when will the electrician arrive? I was in the middle of a match."

"He said in about half an hour," he replied.

"And how long will it take to fix the electricity?" I asked.

"No idea, son. That will depend on the complexity of the problem. I suppose it's a short circuit, so we'll have to see which area is causing the issue," he replied calmly.