The void of darkness greedily engulfed me once more, and as usual, I let it take me with a smile on my face. I needed this more than anything else, and especially more than reality.
Vivid images started forming around me. Images of dreams lost, dreams impossible, and dreams yet to come true.
Happiness and joy surrounded my being as the improbable became mine and the impossible only an arm’s length away. The feeling was like the warm sunlight on the back of my neck after a long thunderstorm. A rose petal drifted down from high above. I caught it in my palm and smiled.
I basked in the moment – This very moment in my dreams where nothing could possibly go wrong.
But then again, could it?
As quickly as I was brought into my world of dreams, I was snapped back up into reality. Back to where the rain was falling heavier and it was colder than it has ever been.
The bubble of hope and happiness that was welling inside me disappeared and an empty hole was left where it once was.
I couldn’t help myself but to grasp my chest in pain.
Maybe I was wrong. Maybe retreating into my own personal sanctuary so often wasn’t the answer to everything.
Are having false dreams really better than facing the bitter truth? For at one time or another, we must face the ruthless world that is reality.
The world where people who say they care for you don’t really do. The very same one where the people you care for with all your heart take you for granted.
Call me a coward, but I am not ready to face the real world again – At least not yet. Not until the wounds of my last attempt has healed.
So I guess until then, the world will have to make do without me. Though I doubt I will be missed.
-Izzat R.
