To you, in 2000 Years

Dream - I

Erwin found himself adrift in the shadowy depths of his coma, suspended in a surreal oblivion between the realms of life and death. Time lost all meaning as he floated in a delicate void, where memories and dreams intertwined like wisps of smoke. The vibrant colors of his past flickered in and out of focus, accompanied by echoes of laughter and whispers of loved ones, both familiar and distant. In this state, he was neither fully aware nor completely oblivious, a gentle tug on his consciousness pulled him toward the warmth of the living world, while the cold embrace of the unknown called him deeper into the darkness. Each moment felt like an eternity, as he grappled with the fragmented pieces of his existence, searching for a way back to the surface or a path deeper into the mysteries that lay ahead. It was a hauntingly beautiful experience, a dance with the thin veil that separates the known from the uncharted, as he floated in this delicate balance between what was and what could be.

In that profound stillness, Erwin's mind conjured memories of his childhood—a time long forgotten, filled with warmth and simplicity, untouched by the shadows of war and the burdens of adulthood. He found himself lying on a soft patch of green grass, the scent of fresh earth and grass filled his senses, grounding him in this serene moment. The sun had cast a golden glow across the landscape, enveloping him in a comforting embrace. Above him, the sky stretched out in a brilliant blue, while the gentle rustle of leaves swayed in the cool, gentle breeze that danced around him. The air was rich with the sweet fragrance of blooming rose bushes nearby, their delicate petals adding a touch of vibrant color to the scene. 

A worn book lay across his face, its pages slightly fluttering, shielding his eyes from the sunlight that filtered through the branches of a large oak tree, creating a playful mosaic of light and shadow on the ground. It was a sanctuary of peace, where laughter floated on the breeze and the worries of the world faded away. He was cradled in the warmth of that sunlit afternoon, blissfully unaware of the complexities of life beyond this haven.

In the distance, a faint giggle broke the tranquility, light and playful, cutting through the silence like a gentle breeze. Erwin recognized it immediately— a sound that tugged at the corners of his memory. The giggle grew closer, filling him with warmth and nostalgia, until he felt a small hand tugging at the book that covered his face. With a teasing persistence, she pulled and tugged, her laughter bubbling like the sweetest melody. Erwin kept his eyes closed, feigning sleep as he had done countless times before, pretending to be unaware of her playful antics. But she was relentless. With one final, determined tug, the book was lifted from his face, and sunlight poured in, bathing him in a warm, golden glow.

Though the brightness was almost overwhelming, he refused to open his eyes just yet, savoring the moment. He could sense the little girl's presence beside him, and soon, he felt her soft fingertips caressing his cheeks, their warmth a delightful contrast to the cool air. Her gentle touch sent a ticklish sensation through him, and he could not help but smile, even as he kept his eyes shut. With each light stroke of her fingers, she giggled playfully, her laughter echoing in the air like chimes in the breeze. The ticklish sensation made him scrunch his nose in an endearing way, and a soft chuckle escaped his lips, betraying his attempt to remain undisturbed. The simple joy of that moment wrapped around him like a cherished blanket, reminding him of the innocence and happiness of childhood. Just then, in his mind's eye, the little girl grew impatient. With a playful determination, she pinched his cheeks, her tiny fingers digging in just enough to rouse him from his reverie. It was that gentle, yet insistent touch that finally coaxed him to open his eyes fully. 

Yet, instead of the soft green grass beneath him or the comforting shade of the oak tree above, Erwin woke up to the dim, oppressive confines of his own dark and dreary room. The walls seemed to close in around him, casting shadows that felt heavy and suffocating. The air was thick with a stale silence, broken only by the distant sounds of the outside world, a stark contrast to the vibrant laughter and warmth he had just experienced in his dreams. As he lay there, the warmth of that laughter lingered in his mind, echoing in the stillness—a bittersweet reminder of the life he once knew, before the battles, before the war had cast its long, dark shadow over everything he cherished.