Drown

Father

Counting the passing trees one by one in the moving car, my father drives quite slow, allowing me to savour each moment and immerse myself in the enchanting scenery unfolding before my eyes. And with this deliberate pace, he not only fuels the excitement within me but also creates an atmosphere of calmness and serenity that makes the journey all the more enjoyable.

I find myself enthralled, unable to tear my gaze away from the open window. My chin rests on the door as I bask in the beauty of the outside world, which appears so spectacular and different from my everyday surroundings. The vibrant colours, the gently swaying branches, and the soothing breeze evoke a sense of awe and wonder in me.

My father, always concerned for my safety, warns me not to stick out my head too far and reminds me to sit still in my seat. However, he knows all too well that keeping an excited child rooted in one spot is a Herculean task. Despite his admonishments, I can't help but fidget in my seat, uneasy as if ants were crawling beneath my skin.

Time seems to stretch perpetually during this car ride, and my restlessness persists. But suddenly, something at the back of the car catches my attention. My dearest mother appears to be engaged in a conversation with someone in the rear seat, though I can only see an empty space. With a loving smile, she speaks with a gentle concern, as though she is conversing with a ghostly presence in that vacant spot.

Soon after, we make a pit stop at a convenient store for a quick bathroom break. As we all disembark from the car, I hear what seems to be extra footsteps, accompanying our own. Curiously, I glance down and discover that our shadows, cast by the warm glow of the sun, now feature an additional pair of feet. The inexplicable sight fills me with a sense of intrigue and a touch of unease.

Before I can voice my perplexity, my mother gazes at me, her eyes fixed not solely on me but on another person, as if addressing someone mysterious and intangible. In her tender yet enigmatic voice, she says, "Let's make use of the restroom quickly, dear. Your father values efficiency."

As we enter the restroom, I proceed to use the toilet and diligently wash my hands. Inside, I encounter a man who utters the strangest of statements. "Oh, what a striking resemblance they share, one could easily mistake them for each other," he says cryptically. Yet, as much as I strain my eyes, I fail to discern who exactly he is referring to.

Returning to the car, we resume our journey towards our destination. However, a lingering sense of apprehension begins to tighten its grip around my throat. Suddenly, the car begins to fill with water from all sides, and I feel myself being engulfed by shallow and suffocating waters. Panic sets in, and I find myself struggling to breathe, yearning for help that seems hopelessly out of reach. Then, in an instant, darkness descends upon me as consciousness slips away.

As I awaken abruptly, drenched in sweat, I find myself gripping the mattress tightly, desperately gasping for air. The remnants of the nightmare cling to me, leaving me feeling drained and exhausted. Sleep evades me for the remainder of the night, and I am left contemplating the origin and meaning of these relentless and haunting dreams. Seeking solace and understanding, I turn to the Lord, silently pleading for answers and guidance.