Chapter 4

I opened my eyes, disoriented and confused, as I tried to make sense of my surroundings. The world around me seemed hazy, and my head throbbed with an unfamiliar ache. “Who are you?” I asked weakly, my voice barely audible. I struggled to sit up, my surroundings slowly coming into focus.

I found myself in a brilliantly shining room, its walls were colored with strange symbols that I couldn’t quite comprehend. The air felt heavy, and debris of fear settled over me. My body was in pain, and I realized I was lying on a cold, hard surface.

A man stood at a very close range, his features blurred by the shadows. His presence was both reassuring and worrisome. “You must be calm now,” he said softly.

“Who are you?” I asked again, my voice trembling. I became aware of my weakened state, realizing that I was barely clothed. My heart was pounding, and I instinctively pulled the fabric of my clothing closer around me, attempting to shield myself from his gaze.

Just then, I felt a sharp pain in my neck, causing me to gasp in surprise. My hand instinctively went to the source of the discomfort, and my fingers brushed against a bandage that covered a small wound. Confusion and fear swirled within me, and I looked at the man for answers.

The man’s expression remained calm and collected as if he anticipated my questions. “You have been through a lot,” he said gently. “But you’re safe now. The wound on your neck needed attention, and I took care of it.” His eyes held a depth of understanding that put me slightly at ease.

I took in his words, I realized that I was in no condition to argue or resist. The pain in my head and the exhaustion in my body urged me to rest, to allow this stranger to care for me. “Where am I?” I finally managed to ask, my voice softer now, almost a whisper.

“You’re in a place of refuge,” he replied, his voice carrying a sense of relief. “A place where you can heal and regain your strength.” He moved closer, his gaze never leaving mine. “You’re safe here, and you’re not alone.”

I struggled to process his words, my mind still clouded by confusion. Despite the uncertainty that surrounded me, there was an undeniable sense of trust I felt in his presence. I realized that in this unfamiliar and confusing situation, he might be the only anchor I had.

The man’s hand reached out, his touch gentle as he placed it on my shoulder. “Rest now,” he said softly, his voice a soothing melody that seemed to echo within me. “You’re going to be okay.” With his presence and his words offering a facade of comfort, I allowed myself to succumb to the darkness, letting sleep claim me once again.

When I drifted into sleep, I had a dream that it was like a cool blanket. It took me back to my past, those cherished days of the past when I was growing up. The memories of those times felt like a warm embrace, comforting and familiar.

However, within this dream, something felt amiss. The scenes were vivid and colorful, but there was a twist to them that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. It was like watching a movie with a plot that diverged from reality.

In the dream, I found myself surrounded by a group of children, each giggling and laughing as they played around me. They were calling me “mother,” their voices a symphony of innocence and joy. Their faces radiated with love and trust as if I were the center of their universe.

“Mother, look what I found!” a young boy with messy hair exclaimed, holding up a daisy he had picked from the grass.

I smiled down at him, my heart swelling with an inexplicable warmth. “That’s a beautiful flower, sweetheart,” I replied, my voice filled with genuine affection. “You have quite the eye for beauty.”

A little girl with pigtails approached, tugging at my sleeve. “Mother, can you braid my hair just like yours?”

“Of course, darling,” I said, my fingers deftly weaving her hair into a braid that mirrored my own.

As I interacted with these imaginary children, the connection I felt with them was almost surreal. It was as if they were a part of me, an extension of my own heart and soul.

Another child, a curious boy with bright eyes, tugged at my hand. “Mother, can you read us a story?”

“Absolutely,” I replied, settling down on a soft patch of grass. The children gathered around me, their eyes fixed on me with eager anticipation. As I began to tell them a tale, their faces shone with wonder, and their laughter echoed in the air.

The dream felt like a blissful bubble, a haven of happiness and belonging. I watched as the children played, their innocent laughter all over the air, their trust in me could not be questioned.

As the dream continued, a bittersweet feeling was within me. I wished I could stay in this dream forever, surrounded by the laughter of these children who called me “mother.” The love and contentment I experienced in that moment were unlike anything I had ever known.

The dream began to fade, reality gently coming back in, I held tightly to the fading images and feelings. I wanted to hold onto this beautiful illusion, to remain in a world where I was cherished and loved. But the dream slipped away, leaving me with a profound sense of loss and longing.

I opened my eyes, and reality came over me once again. I had wanted the dream to continue, to exist in a world where I was a mother to a loving line of children. The difference between that dream and my actual life was clear, and I craved a deep longing in my heart as I realized that the dream was just that, nothing more than a dream. Yet, those moments had given me a taste of the happiness and fulfillment I craved.

The door creaked and someone walked into the room.