Dreamcatcher

Chapter 4 - Thursday, Friday / Days Off

I wake up to the smell of bacon and eggs wafting through the air, but my head is pounding—a dull throb from the restless sleep I had. The fractured dreams kept me tossing and turning all night, leaving me feeling groggy and disoriented. I pull on my robe and make my way to the kitchen, where I find Daniel, humming a tune I don't recognize as he flips bacon in the pan. His happiness radiates through the room, too chirpy for my mood this morning.

I pull out a stool at the kitchen island and sit down with a sigh. The noise makes Daniel turn around, his eyes lighting up as soon as he sees me. "Good morning, sleepyhead. I was starting to think I'd have to come drag you out of bed. It's almost nine."

I give him a small smile and stand to grab some coffee, but before I can get to the pot, Daniel's there, gently guiding me back into my seat. "No, no, you sit," he insists, his tone cheerful but concerned. "You look like you had a rough night. I'll get you your coffee."

I try to suppress the guilty knot tightening in my chest and offer him a grateful smile instead. "Thanks, Daniel. I don't deserve you." The words come out lighthearted, but there's truth in them.

"It's no problem at all. Just focus on waking up. We've got a big day ahead," he says, still humming, now pouring the coffee and setting it in front of me.

Big day? It takes a second for my sluggish brain to catch up. "It's Thursday," I mumble, "don't you have work?"

Daniel looks at me, a teasing grin on his face. "Did you forget? I got the day off so we can visit your parents. Remember? They're expecting us for lunch. And I think your brother's coming too, with his family. They said they had something important to tell us."

Right. The family gathering. I'd completely forgotten about it.

Daniel must catch the flicker of unease in my expression because he sets the coffee down and leans on the counter, eyes searching mine with concern. "Ashlyn, is everything okay? You seem... off."

I wrap my hands around the coffee mug, its warmth grounding me. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just didn't sleep well, I guess. Too many restless dreams," I say before taking a sip, hoping the caffeine will bring me back to life.

He watches me for a second longer, then nods, satisfied with my answer. "Alright," he says, turning back to the stove. A moment later, he places a plate of eggs and bacon in front of me. I eat in silence, Daniel still humming, his contentment filling the air while I quietly stew in my thoughts.

I finish eating quickly, not really tasting the food. My mind is elsewhere, still trying to shake off the odd feeling lingering from last night's dream. The dream about Dean. Why does it keep replaying in my mind?

Daniel clears the plates as I excuse myself to take a shower and get ready for the day. I let the hot water rush over me, hoping it will clear away the thoughts and lingering confusion. We're supposed to be at my parents' house by eleven, and I need to focus on today, on Daniel, on the life I've built with him. But as the water hits my skin, I can't help but feel a twinge of guilt that I can't quite explain. Why is my mind so tangled up in someone I barely know?

As Daniel's white Ford Explorer pulls into my parents' driveway, I start to feel more grounded, more like myself. The familiar surroundings, the house I grew up in, the warmth of family—all of it has a way of easing the tension that had been building inside me. No matter what's going on in my life, I know I can always count on my family to make everything feel normal again. Especially my dad.

I hop out of the SUV, my heart already lightening as I rush toward the front door. Daniel trails behind, locking the car and carrying his easy smile. He's always been so good at fitting in with my family, which I love about him.