Dreams

The Hotel

I don't know what city I'm in.

But I do know that I'm on an active road under a road bridge.

I don't know what time it is.

But I do know that the sun is setting and I don't have much time.

Time for what? I don't know.

There's no time.

I'm not the only one on this active road with cars zooming pass my confused figure. There's a huge crowd blocking the road. Not in a clump but in scattered single groups. The cars don't mind.

I'm in one of those scattered single groups. There's seven of us, me included.

I don't know who these people are.

But I do know that they know me.

We keep on walking the same direction as the cars. None of us know why but we knew to just continue on going. Rushing pass other groups and speeding cars. Some people are getting hit but give no thought about their injuries.

There's no time.

We stay under the road bridge and the time seems to be dragging. I walk alongside these people that I'm trying to rememeber. They begin conversations and whenever they look at me they say this name. Perhaps my name, but a name I cannot comprehend. Whenever they mention it to me, I just hear this deep vague sound. Like they're trying to put letters that don't match up together.

And now that I think about it, what is my name? Who are these people and what am I doing here?

They keep talking about events that happen during the night. The people and the dark. The rain and the winds. But they too don't know where they are. We are lost. And when you're lost you feel like the only solution to that is to keep moving forward in hopes of finding a destination that you hope is similar to where you are heading.

As we walk I take my time to observe the people around us. The women are all wearing the same outfits, as if we were back in the 1940s sporting vintage dresses topped with dark trench coats, gloves and cloche hats with a pair of black slip in pumps. Same goes for the gentlemen, displaying dark navy blue suits that are looking neat and crisp despite the bustling crowds of people around them. We all carry bags of different forms, some trolleys some handbags.

Where are we all heading? We all seem to have the same destination if we are moving towards the same direction, right? Perhaps they have gone lost too.

The sun still hasn't set but I can physically see it moving. Its usual red and orange rays have been long gone and a fog starts to form around us as the night starts to set in. I look around only to find my group dismembered and nowhere to be found. And now I'm all alone, cold and freezing in spite of my thick coat and gloves.

I walk along but suddenly see dots on the road. Raindrops. I look up and start to feel the little droplets of water start to land on my face, my eyes flinching from the cold contact. And then the screaming started.

The night has begun.

It was chaos, as if a riot was occurring. Everyone neglected their belongings and left their groups and decided to run off as if it's every man for himself. They jumped over cars and tumbled over others. Some went unconscious while others were wailing aloud. My hat gets lost in the wind. I take of my coat and start to cover myself from the rain that is gaining strength by the second.

What is this reaction? What is causing it?

I look up as I start to put two and two together.

Is it the rain?

All of a sudden I was shoved, resulting me to go flying on the floor, my coat flying out of my grip and being trampled over running people. I cry out in pain as the rough surface scratches my skin. I attempt to stand up but the violent crowd refuses me to do so. People gave no notice to me and started stepping on my hands, feet, and sides. Not knowing what to do anymore, I decided to curl up into a ball, submitting to the cold harsh winds and heavy rains and roaring thunder as I put my arms over my head. Closing my eyes I think of what I'd always do when I'm scared and alone. I go back to those warm hands that gift me the opposite of what I'm feeling. And if I close my eyes and think harder, I may even feel those hands reaching out to my cold body.

The thunder roars louder as I tremble in fear, my tiny figure hiding under the blanket as a way of seeking comfort and protection. But I'm aware that it won't protect me for long.

I try to block out the noises, the trees dancing in the harsh wind and the rain clashing against my glass window. Suddenly I hear the door bang against the wall. I screamed until I felt warm soft hands come in contact with my shaking arms.

"It's okay I'm here now."

I peek my head out of the blanket and see my mother. Although being dark, it's as if she's glowing bright, the light I need to bring with me, the light I need to escape whatever deep hole of fear I'm consumed in. I reach out and hug around her waist, her hands immediately holding me in comfort.

"It's okay, you know that right?"

I gave her no answer.

Silence fills the room before she speaks up.

"If you ever feel afraid of something, close your eyes and count from one to five. Do it with me."

I nodded but still stuck onto her tightly. The thunder appears to be getting louder.

One. The screams of the people around my lying, curled up body is getting increasingly stronger as I try to block out the deafening shrieks and cries.

Two. I avoid the vicious crowd's steps as they run over me like crazy creating cuts and bruises all over my body. My sides swollen and limbs aching.

Three. The rain pours stronger, hitting my skin with a harsh force that it is  difficult for me to protect myself.

Four. The thunder emits an ear-piercing sound, causing me to burst into another round of tears.

Five.

Silence.

I look up and was shocked to see no one. My coat and hat returned on my body which I never noticed. I stood up and felt no bruises and cuts on my skin. It's as if everything never happened. Except for the rain.