The World She Wished For

16. When Dreams Shatter

Suddenly, the vibrant colors blurred, and I felt weightless and dizzy as if I was floating.

When I opened my eyes, I found myself lying on a cool surface in a misty, surreal landscape, the scent of flowers replaced by a metallic odor.

My eyes dart around the room as I realize I'm in my bed. Gasping for breath.

"What?!" I whisper to myself, feeling my pulse quicken.

It was all a dream? I sit up, running my fingers through my hair, searching for any sign of Snowy.

But he's gone... nowhere to be found. My chest tightens, a sinking feeling settling inside me. "No... it can't be," I whispered, shaking my head in disbelief. "It felt so real."

But doubts flood my mind. Was it all just a dream? My heart feels so heavy. The warmth of Elysoria, Aunt Beatrice, Sir Theodore... Snowy... how could it all just disappear?

No matter how much I tried to convince myself, the empty space in my room left a hollow ache in my chest. Aunt Beatrice, Sir Theodore, Snowy... Elysoria, I thought, my mind reeling. It all seemed so vivid, so magical. Yet here I was, back in my ordinary life, without a single sign that any of it had truly happened.

The sadness lingered as I got ready for school, barely able to focus on anything.

My thoughts were clouded by the memories of Elysoria. My heart ached with every step I took, the weight of the day pressing heavily on my shoulders.

Even when Ethan tried to speak to me, I couldn't find the energy to deal with him.

"Not now, Ethan," I said, my voice firm yet weary. "I'm already stressed."

My words must have hit hard because Ethan backed off, giving me space. But I didn't have time to think about him. My mind was too preoccupied, swirling with confusion and pain.

The rest of the day passed in a blur.

By the time I got home, I barely touched my dinner.

My appetite was gone, and all I wanted to do was bury myself in my studies to distract my mind. But as I sat at my desk, trying to focus on my notes, I felt a deep ache rising from within me.

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't hold back the tears.

Maybe it really was just a dream, I thought bitterly. None of it was real... but why does it feel so real?

Tears slipped down my cheeks as I closed my eyes, resting my head in my hands. A mixture of peace and pain filled my heart as I replayed everything from the dream. Was it really all in my head?

Suddenly, a familiar voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Mira..."

I froze, my heart racing. That voice... it was so familiar, so comforting. Slowly, I opened my eyes, and there he was... Snowy, standing right in front of me.

"Mira," he said softly, "I'm back. Sorry I was a bit late, but I've come to get you again. How was your day?"

For a moment, I couldn't believe my eyes. Was he really here? My mind struggled to process it all, but before I knew it, I was rushing towards him, wrapping my arms around him as tears flowed freely.

Snowy let out a nervous laugh, patting my back gently. "I had no idea you'd miss me this much" he said.

I pulled back slightly, still crying, "I thought... I thought you left me!" I sobbed into his fur. "I thought it was all just a dream... I thought you weren't real. I was so scared you'd never come back."

Snowy's expression softened as he looked down at me, his heart melting. "I'm sorry, Mira. I didn't mean to worry you." he said, handing me a napkin to wipe my tears. "I'm here now, and I'll explain everything. Just don't cry anymore, okay? Let's head back to Elysoria."

I nodded, taking a deep breath as I wiped my face. The pain in my heart began to ease, replaced with a sense of hope. Snowy hadn't left me. Elysoria was real.

And now, I was going back.

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A/N: I'm happy to confirm that it wasn't just Mira's imagination or any dream... It was real!
So, Let's find out what happens next and what Snowy was up to while he was away.

See you soon! Bye!

Word Count: 734