by Elena Carter
“What do you think they are?” Tina asked.
Alice looked into her cup, as if the answer was written on the black liquid surface.
“Maybe some dreams are indeed only a product of brain activity while the body is resting. But there are also dreams which are much more. I’m not sure I can explain how to tell the difference. It comes with experience. It requires a well-developed intuition and the right state of mind. But you can still get it wrong sometimes.”
“That doesn’t sound very encouraging.” Tina chuckled.
“At least the process is fun.” Alice smiled. “It’s a long journey, but a beautiful one. And you learn plenty along the way. But remember, good things come with a price.”
“Sounds like you have been on your journey for a while,” Tina said. “Have you arrived at your final destination? And what was the price you paid?”
“Oh, no, my dear. I’m still in the process. And enjoying every minute of it.” Alice shook her head. “It’s a long story—or even many different stories—but I can say one thing for sure: I’m on the right path and I’m happy. Although, you start losing certain things when you find your path. They disappear from your life. In most cases, painlessly. But not always.”
“What kind of things?” Tina wrinkled her forehead
“Oh, anything, dear. People, habits, emotions, feelings, hobbies, jobs, homes, memories. There’s nothing wrong with them; they are just not meant for your journey. You’ll notice changes in yourself and in your surroundings. Some things you’ll need to shed, in order to move on. At the same time, new things will take their place. The right ones.”
“How do I know they’re the right ones?”
“You’ll feel it. Trust me and listen to your heart. And remember that everything happens for a reason.”
“I understand. Kind of. But coming back to this exciting journey you were speaking about, where exactly does it lead you? What’s the destination? What’s the goal?”
“The goal? To learn how to tame dreams.” Alice’s eyes lit up with excitement.
“What do you mean by taming dreams?” Tina asked.
“Have you ever had one of those dreams that you forget as soon as you open your eyes? You can almost remember it. It’s so close, like you just need to reach out and grab it, but it slips away?” Alice asked. “But you can feel it was something interesting, maybe something important, and this feeling doesn’t let go?”
“All the time.” Tina shifted in her seat and clasped her hands. “As a kid, I used to remember them more, but then it changed, and it’s exactly how you describe it. I hate that feeling. I can spend the whole day feeling like there’s something important missing.”
“Because it is important.” Alice nodded. “Wouldn’t you want to be able to get that under control—to remember every detail of your dreams?”
“Of course I would. I have a feeling even the ones that do stay in my memory are far from complete. Maybe not even a third.”
“Maybe even less. I know how that feels. Sometimes all you’re left with is one small detail, and you cling on to it, hoping that it’ll lead you to the full picture. But with time, even that little image fades, doesn’t it?”
“Absolutely.” Tina leaned forward and rested her elbows on her knees. “I used to try and write down whatever I could remember, but then I gave up.” She shrugged.
“You shouldn’t have. That was the right thing to do.”
“I guess I got frustrated I couldn’t remember. And those small things I was writing seemed pathetic and made no sense.”
“Well, if you take a single piece out of a puzzle and look at it, it will most probably look pathetic and meaningless too.” Alice winked. “It takes patience and discipline to put the puzzle together, but the result is always worth it.”
“I agree. I could never boast having much patience, though. That’s my weak side …” Tina laughed.
“We can work on it.” Alice smiled. “And this is just the beginning, you know.”
“Beginning?”
“Dreams are more than just your imagination. One of the reasons people don’t remember all of their dreams is because not many are able to handle it. It’s a self-preservation mechanism.”
“Handle what?”
“The truth. The bigger picture we can’t—or don’t want to—see. The world surrounding us is not the only world in the universe. Just as the universe isn’t the only one in the multiverse. There are countless worlds and realities, and dreams let us explore them. Well, not all of us. Only the chosen ones.”
“Wow …” Tina rubbed the back of her neck.
“You don’t have to believe me—”
“I’m not saying I don’t believe you.”
“I know how crazy it sounds, my dear.” Alice raised her hand. “A part of you will want to believe it, while another part will be looking for the exit to rush away from this insane old lady.”
“Alice …” Tina shook her head.
“I’m joking. But both of these reactions are okay. You will have more to learn, you will have more to doubt, and you will hear more things that will surprise you. As long as you listen for a little. Trust me, it’s worth it.” Alice gazed at Tina.
“I’m all ears.”
“As crazy as it may sound, there really are multiple worlds out there. Some amazing, some scary, some similar to ours, some totally different. They’re not all waiting for us with their doors wide open, though. Some are more hospitable and welcome visitors eagerly. Others have their guards up and might be dangerous. But all of them are fascinating, especially for a traveler who’s new to this whole game and craving new experiences and emotions.”
“Like me.”
“Almost, dear. Almost. See, you haven’t quite become a traveler yet. But you are definitely one of those who have the chance. Some people are not as lucky, and no doors will ever open for them. They are stuck in this world, glued to it forever with the strongest of super-glues. Sounds terrible to me personally, but most of them don’t even realize they’re missing out. They think this word is exactly what they were taught in school, and dreams are nothing more than vivid pictures their brain produces while they rest. If they have any at all. Many people don’t even have dreams. That’s something that has always scared me.”
Tina nodded. “I feel the same. I mean, they might be crazy and even scary, but they’re my dreams, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. And I definitely wouldn’t want to live without dreams!” She shook her head.
“See, that’s something I knew about you the minute we met. I could feel you were one of us.”
“I’m so happy I ended up at that cafe and you started talking to me. I keep thinking things like ‘What if I didn’t go out that day’, or ‘What if I went somewhere else…’”
“We would have met another time, dear. Things don’t happen without a reason. I’m glad it happened sooner rather than later.” Alice shrugged and leaned back in her seat with a smile.
“Me too. But what exactly do you mean by ‘one of us’?” Tina tilted her head, leaning forward.
“I mean one of those who are lucky enough to get a visa and a ticket to the world of their dreams. Those that were chosen, those who have a chance to open the doors that others don’t even know exist. There’s so much more I need to tell you. I haven’t even started talking about guides, but I see you’re overwhelmed, and it’s getting late,” Alice said with regret in her voice.
Tina looked around and realized it was already getting dark outside.
“Oh, God, what time is it?” She searched for her phone. “I got carried away. I should be going. But I want to know about the guides …”
“They’re people and things that help you travel. Think of them as tour guides. Actually, don’t think of them like that. It’s a bad analogy. Let’s talk about it next time, okay?”
“Okay.” Tina sighed. She had retrieved her phone and was calling a cab.
“Oh, I almost forgot. There is something
I wanted to give you before you go,” Alice said. “Wait a minute, dear, will you?”
Alice rushed up the stairs.
Tina suddenly felt she was indeed overwhelmed, as well as tired. Her eyelids were growing heavy. She shook her head and glanced at her phone to check the time. Almost eleven. She didn’t notice how time flew.
Alice returned and approached Tina. She handed her a little silk pouch. “Here you are, dear. A little present. I want you to have this.”
“Oh …” Tina glanced at it in surprise, her mouth opening and closing but no words coming out. “Alice, I …”
“Open it.” Alice laughed.
Tina carefully untied the silk ribbons and peered inside the pouch. She took out a small dreamcatcher, and a polished tumble stone was lying underneath. It was a deep purple amethyst.
“It’s beautiful.” She rubbed it between her fingers, feeling the cool smooth surface of the crystal. “And the way it feels in the hand, it’s so … right. Thank you, Alice.”
“The dreamcatcher has amethysts in it too,” Alice said. “It’s a very powerful stone. Especially when it comes to dreams.”
“I think I heard it helps those who suffer from insomnia.” She glanced at the gifts again. “This dreamcatcher is absolutely beautiful. I’ve always been fascinated by them. I’ll hang it in my bedroom.”
“As for the stone,” Alice said, “why don’t you try putting it under your pillow when you go to sleep? And write down your dreams when you wake up, okay? Next time we meet, you can tell me about them. Something tells me this time you won’t forget.”
“Are you gonna try to sleep with the stone under the pillow?” Natalie asked.
Tina had returned home from visiting Alice, and before going to bed, she remembered she’d promised to call Natalie and tell her how it went.
“Sure, why not? I hung the dreamcatcher on the lamp near my bed too. It’s really cute. I’ll send you a picture.”
“I’ve always liked dreamcatchers. Even wanted to make one myself, but never found the time. Besides, I thought it wouldn’t be the real deal …”
“What do you mean?” Tina lay on her bed, staring into the ceiling, phone in one hand, amethyst in the other. She enjoyed the way the smooth stone felt in her hand.
“Well, they’re supposed to be more than a trendy interior design accessory. I figured whoever makes a dreamcatcher must also be … I don’t know … special.”
“Special? Really? What’s that supposed to mean?” Tina burst out laughing. “Like having special needs?”
“Shut up!” Natalie laughed too. “You know what I mean. Gifted, or … with powers.”
“I can see the advertisement: ‘A gifted superhero will make your special dreamcatcher for half the usual price. Hurry, the offer is only valid until midnight.’” Tina snorted.
“Very funny. But I’m glad you had a great time. I haven’t seen you in a mood like this for ages. It’s nice to hear you laugh. This mysterious flower lady is working some magic.”
“I really do feel good. I’m tired and a bit overwhelmed, and I’m still not sure what to think about everything she said, but I’m looking forward to our next chat. Plus, I’m feeling so light. Like one of those feathers on the dreamcatcher. It’s a good feeling. Unfamiliar, yet pleasant.”
“I understand. I’d be confused and overwhelmed too, but I have a good feeling about her. And I believe what she’s saying. Just please don’t fly anywhere too far while you’re in your feather mode.” Natalie laughed. “Maybe the amethyst will work like an anchor, who knows.”
“Maybe it will,” Tina echoed. “I’ll text you tomorrow. Kiss the girls for me.”
“I will. Love ya.”
“Good night, Nat. Love ya.”
Tina hung up. She spent another couple minutes lying on the bed and staring at the ceiling, then yawned, turned the bedside lamp off, and got under the blanket.
The last thing she did before closing her eyes and drifting away was slide the tumble stone under the pillow.
Tina looked around. She stood in the center of a meadow. Emerald-green grass and red poppies that sparkled like rubies when the sun rays hit them surrounded her.
A light breeze caressed her cheek, lifting a tendril of hair away from her forehead. The air rippled through the grass, looking like waves across a green sea.
The beauty of her surroundings amazed her, but the feeling of inner peace—one she hadn’t experienced in a long while—made her even happier.
Tina wanted to lie down on the bottom of the green sea and look at the clouds floating through the blue sky. The sun was very bright, but it wasn’t causing her eyes any discomfort. Everything around and inside her was calm, soft, and mild.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
When she opened them, a bright blue butterfly fluttered in front of her. She reached out, and the beautiful, delicate creature landed on her open palm. Tina held her breath in awe. She had been obsessed with butterflies when she was a little girl. It was her dream to hold one, but she never dared to, afraid to damage the fragile wings. Someone once told her that if you touched a butterfly’s wing, it wouldn’t be able to fly anymore, and it stuck with her forever. So she never chased them or tried to capture them.
But now, this beauty was flapping its wings while sitting on her palm, and Tina was afraid to breathe.
The butterfly took off, and Tina followed it. She didn’t even look where she was going; she was afraid to lose sight of her guide.
She increased her pace to a sprint. The feeling of peace and harmony was vanishing, giving place to something different.
She shook her head, and at the same moment tripped, stumbling upon something. She jumped up immediately, only to find her new friend and mysterious guide wasn’t a butterfly anymore. It was a hummingbird.
“Of course!” Tina said, brushing off dirt from her knees and elbows.
The hummingbird waited patiently for her to finish, hovering in front of her. At least, that’s what it felt like to Tina. When she was done, the little bird flew off, and Tina followed.
It was getting harder and harder to walk. The grass was getting taller, already reaching her thighs so she couldn’t run anymore and was getting out of breath, but the hummingbird had slowed in pace too. As if it adjusted its speed to match Tina’s mobility.
The grass, however, wasn’t that amicable. It got taller and thicker until it grew above her waist. Some of the blades tickled her neck, and she kept pushing them away. She felt like she was swimming in the sea of grass. But she could still see the hummingbird.
Suddenly, Tina felt someone’s presence. As if someone was following her footsteps quietly.
She twisted around, but there was no one there.
Tina looked closer, searching for any movement in the grass, but the only thing she spotted was a large, darker patch of grass—like something was casting a big shadow. Only, there was nothing around.
Unsure what to make of it, she turned around and kept walking, the grass slapping against her face. She tried to look at the sky, but she couldn’t see it anymore through the grass. It was also getting hard to breathe.
However, she somehow felt where the hummingbird was and continued moving forward.
She couldn’t feel the wind anymore, but a rumbling sound grew closer and louder with every step until it turned into a thundering roar.
Tina kept dragging herself forward, pushing apart the thickets the grass had turned into.
The sound intensified.
With the next step she took, the ground disappeared from underneath her feet. The sun blinded her, reflecting in the millions of drops that formed the rumbling waterfall she was falling into.
Tina screamed and woke up, bolting upright in her bed.
Trembling, she lifted her hands to wipe tears from her face, only to find they weren’t tears.
Her face was wet, water dripped from her hair, and her nightgown was soaking.
Tina couldn’t stop shivering
. She reached for the light switch and turned the lamp on. Still in shock, she scanned the room. The bed was wet. Everything else around was dry. She searched for something dry to wipe her hands with before reaching for her phone, but didn’t succeed.
She shook her hands and grabbed her phone anyway. She tapped the screen to look at the time. It was 2:00 a.m.
The next thing she saw on the screen hit like a punch to the stomach, and she gasped. It was a preview of a message on WhatsApp. Two simple words, “Don’t fear,” left her breathless.
The message was from Greg.
There was no way Tina could go back to sleep. After she’d changed the bedding and thrown the wet sheets and her wet nightgown in the washing machine, she sat on the bed, staring at the wall. She couldn’t stop shivering.
Her phone rested on the nightstand next to her. She wanted to reach out and look at the text again, but her hands were shaking. She got up and paced around the room. That made her even more nervous.
She wanted to call Natalie and talk to her about what happened, but she didn’t know how to explain it to herself, let alone anyone else. Besides, she wouldn’t do that in the middle of the night.
Tina trudged to the kitchen to make herself a cup of coffee. Her hands shook so much, though, she spilled coffee all over the counter top. Swearing under her breath, she cleaned the kitchen and sat down on the chair.
The quietness of the room scared her. The thought of turning some music on crossed her mind, but that meant going back to the bedroom and picking up her phone. And she definitely wasn’t ready for that yet.
She got up, opened the cupboard and took out two wine glasses. After setting them in the middle of the table, she sat down again.
“Why—”
She took a few deep breaths.
“Okay, I think I’m going crazy.”
The sound of her voice made her uneasy, but talking to herself was something that usually helped in these types of situations. Not that she’d ever been in that particular situation.
She was confused, scared, and excited. The things she was saying, doing, or even thinking weren’t exactly her own words, actions, or thoughts. The feeling was scaring her even more.