I was back in high school this time standing at my locker at the end of another school day. For some reason, I was in no hurry and I remembered that I had graduated. The few papers and books in the locker felt more like artifacts and I was back to my true age. Someone cleared their throat behind me and I turned to face her.
The girl who had guided my very first steps away from the life of self destruction I had known for so long was standing there smiling. Her eyes took in my cane and absorbed it without comment. She just greeted me like an old friend.
I knew what I wanted to say immediately. "While I have the chance, I wanted to thank you for all that you did. You saveme. "
She smiled in her way. "You thanked me before and I appreciated it but it wasn't necessary. You helped me too and you were a good friend. "
"I guess I forgot telling you that before. It's been so long since I've seen you. "
"That won't be a problem anymore. I just got a good job nearby so we will be seeing more of each,other. "
That's when I woke feeling disappointed that it was only a dream. My friend remains mysteriouslymissing. It was a good dream and it reminded me that she probably knows how muc7she mattered and why. Dreams like that are an antidote to my nightmares.
