I was walking in my old neighborhood. Wearing Khakis, black shoes and a summer shirt (short-sleeved) mostly black with a long wide vertical white stripe on one side in front. I do not own a shirt like it.
I approached the highway that runs along its south border, when I saw a robbery being committed on the far side of the highway. Without thinking, I picked up a baseball-sized rock and hurled it at the robbers. I missed them, and instead hit the windshield of their car, shattering the windshield and drawing the criminals' attention.
I turned and ran speedily deep into the neighborhood. After three or four blocks I slowed to a stroll to catch my breath. Trees lined both sides of the street, casting long sun-sprinkled shadows everywhere I trod. A cool breeze dissipated the sweat on my body. I turned back once to look behind me and, seeing no pursuit, strolled on to the north, smiling at my good fortune.
Up ahead I saw a curious sight... where there should be an open field of weeds and railroad tracks that marked the end of the addition laid an open beach instead. Full of wonderful awe I walked forward until I was standing on the sand.
All around me was bright sunshine, boats upon an emerald green lake which sparkled like gems. To my right I saw a store, bright white in the sunshine, with people milling about around it - some with cooling drinks in their hands, some idly standing about in little groups chatting and laughing.
I went inside the store and looked around. There were tables and chairs, a long counter with stools. All were occupied by more happy people. I decided to purchase something to drink and enjoy the atmosphere, so I approached the counter.
A woman turned in front of me, nearly dropping the two ice cream cones she held in her hands. One was obviously for her, the other I saw was for the little boy that accompanied her. She smiled and said hello, calling me by name.
I was overwhelmed. It was a girl I'd known at college several years before. We had only been neighbors, nothing romantic, but had always been friends. She looked a bit older, but otherwise as I remembered her... tall, thin, lovely long blonde hair, blue eyes. Not a hint of wrinkles.
She gave one of the cones to her son, then embraced me in a soft, warm hug. We talked for a bit, catching up, then she said she had to go. I smiled, hugged her again and softly kissed her cheek. I sat down at the counter, looked out the window at the vista before me...
And woke up. It was a wonderful dream, and I smiled.
Today I looked her up on Facebook, then sent her a friend request. Maybe I'll tell her about my dream. Maybe not. To reconnect is what it seems my dream was telling me to do.
I noticed in her profile photo that she has a little boy.
Curious.
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