Behind the Mist

Just a Dream

Asha woke up, and she was sweating all over. She was panting as if she were actually running. She rushed to the bathroom to wash her face. Looking at her reflection, her mind flew back to her dream. “Have they died, or something? It was just so weird. The jungle, the screams, the running, everything! What could it mean?” she thought. She turned on the shower and got her towel. It was still too early, but she didn’t think she could get back to sleep anyway. She heard her cousin snoring.

By the time her cousin woke up, she was already dressed and setting the table for breakfast. “You’re up early.” Kelly her cousin said. “Couldn’t sleep.” Asha answered. Kelly headed straight for the bathroom. Her class starts at 7:30 so she had to be early, Asha’s starts at 9 so she could still stay home for a while. After her cousin got dressed and ate breakfast, she told her all the usual reminders. “Don’t forget to check the locks okay?” she said. Asha nodded. “And make sure you won’t be late to class. Also, be careful ok?” she reminded. “Yup.” Asha answered. Kelly smiled and closed the door. Asha sat on the couch and turned on the television. Truthfully, she wasn’t in the mood to go to school.

Asha fell asleep while watching. When she woke up, it was already 7:40. she started to fix her things. She applied light make-up that was rarely visible. She gathered her things and made sure she had everything she needed. She gave one last look at her reflection before leaving. She took her necklace and put it on. It was nothing fancy. It was a simple silver chain with a blue moonstone encased with what looked like silver vines as a pendant. She’s had it since she was born.

She headed out and locked the door behind her. As she waited for her transportation, she couldn’t help thinking back to the dream she had. For some reason, it really bothered her. It all felt so real and scary for her. Even as she got to school, it was the only thing on her mind. She kept playing the dream over and over in her mind, like she was trying to find clues. She was trying to make sense of it. Dreams never bothered her before. She knew it was a product of her subconscious. Besides, the average person has 5-7 dreams each night, why would this stand out? And why was it the only one she remembered when she woke?

She headed for the library to wait there, until it was time to get to class. She loved to read and she also had to return a book. When she got there, the student assistant waved for her to notice. “I’ve something to show you.” Trace, the student assistant remarked, while handing Asha a book. It was a thick book, with a brown leather cover. It looked very old, with its brown paper pages and some torn edges here and there. Asha’s eyes lit up as she held it. “Its beautiful.”, she said. “I thought so too. I knew you’d like it. I haven’t really opened it. I found it while cleaning the old bookstore with my brother.” Trace told her.

Trace’s brother had just purchased an old bookstore, which he planned to open up as a themed café. Trace had been helping out with the cleaning up and renovation. "Is this a book or a journal?" Asha asked curiously as she brushed her hand on the intricate vine details on the book's spine. "What's it matter? Read it and find out for the both of us." Trace answered as he went back to fixing the returned books so he can arrange them later on.

Asha smiled, still admiring the details on the book cover. She held the book close to her, hugging it. She couldn't wait to get lost in the pages again and escape her reality. She thanked Trace again and glanced at her watch. "I'd better get to class. See ya Ace" she said as she started to leave. "Sure, and Ash?" Trace started. Asha looked back at him. "Don't finish it in one sitting. Go to class and actually be in class, not off to whatever world that book sweeps you off to." Trace reminded. Asha nodded to him and said; "I'll try, but, not making any promises.", smiling as she left.