Shadows of the Dream Realm

𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥'𝘷𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯?

Samantha 💫

Slowly I open my eyes, and focus in on the small chatter right in front of me. I hear the sound of laughter followed by a crowd applauding. The glow of the television flickers in my living room lighting up the walls. Glancing at the clock, I was surprised to see it's already 9pm.

I search high and low for the television remote, almost giving up hope until I eventually find it wedged between the couch cushions. With a touch of a button, the room is consumed by a peaceful silence.

I notice the half eaten tv dinner, and crumpled napkins on the table in front of me. I know I need to change my eating habits, because these meals are not doing my body any favors in the long run. If my mother could see me now, I wonder how disappointed she would be.

For years she tried to teach me recipes, tips, and tricks on how to make different meals. I still have the cookbook she created filled with her secret recipes stored in the kitchen drawer. Several of the recipes are traditional meals that our family have passed down through generations.

My mother would often tell stories about her mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who were all culinary experts. They knew how to cook just about any meal. The amount of patience it takes to cook three different meals everyday is the exact reason why I eat quick instant meals.

I can hear my mother's voice saying, "A dish from a Thompson can cure just about anything!"

I miss the days where we would spend moments talking about our family history. My mother always seemed to be one of the best story tellers! Every memory that she'd reminisce on felt as if I was right there with her. As if I actually knew the family members that have passed before me. Somedays I wonder If there were any truth to them, or were they just stories?

I clean up the mess I made downstairs, and I head to long main hall of the house. As I walk through it I glance at the lock on the front door, double checking it before I make my way upstairs. I'm a lot more paranoid now that I know I'm being watched!

As I stand there staring in the foyer, I start to remember the last day that I spent with my mother.  She had been planning for months to go visit her childhood hometown. She already had her bags packed, ready, and lined up at the door.

On that very morning, everything felt normal. She drank from the same coffee mug that she normally drinks from everyday. Now that cup sits alone in the cupboard.

She would sit in the same chair everyday because of the perfect view of the backyard, and tv angle. I always leave that seat empty as if it's always going to be saved for her. She loved her routines, and now that she's gone I miss them too.

We shared a couple laughs and a long heartfelt hug before she left. I've always wondered, would things have been different if I would have delayed her for just a bit longer? If I would've distracted her that morning, she would've missed her flight and maybe she would still be here.

Who would've known that day would be the last time I would ever see her?

I make my way upstairs, and start to get ready for bed. I brush my teeth, change into my pajamas, and put my hair up into bun. I pick up the pill bottle on my dress and as I shake it, I hear the sound of a coupled pills juggling inside of it.

I decided enough is enough. I shouldn't delay setting my appointment for my medication any longer. I grab my phone and look online to set an appointment. There's only two days my doctor has available. Either I choose 1 week from now or wait until the end of this month.

I'm lucky I have just enough pills for 1 week and 2 days. I set a calendar reminder on my phone so I don't forget about my scheduled appointment. I climb into bed, and pull the soft covers over my body.

Lying in this peaceful silence should be just what I need in order to drift off. Except the silence is exactly the problem. It's lonely being all by myself.

As I lay there, I can't help but listen to the subtle sounds that travel through the house. The clock that's always been in the hall that continues to tick. The ceiling fan above me that swings, and sways as it circles around. The tree outside my window has its branches grown out so long that the leafs gently tap against my window.

I'm very grateful to live in this big house, and to have my own space to myself! It's just more quiet than I ever imagined on my own.

I shift restlessly not able to find a comfortable position. Laying on my left side and then turning to lay back onto my right.

Before I know it, my eyes are shut and I drift off into a sudden sleep. The ridges of the dream realm simmering beneath the surface.

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I hope you guys enjoy the story even though it changes perspective often.  What do you guys think? 💗💗💗