In Dreams

1

She lay silently beneath the sheets, waiting for the daylight to disappear into the shadows of her night. She ruled the night. In the darkness, her dreams wove silken patterns around her scarlet snares. Her eyes didn't sparkle with the innocence of youth and, yet, there was a certain sense of purity held within her face. She radiated safety and security.2

Outside the window, the waves made the occasional crash against the perilous rocks beneath the ocean. Her eyes reflected the shadows of the depths. Salt water tickled her pale cheeks. Gently, she closed her eyes and drifted along the sea of her soul. Here, he would wait for her.3

It sometimes upset her that she had to dream to be happy, but the shadows always drew a smile from her lips. In her dreams she would laugh as she fought every battle; life wasn't a struggle here. She liked to be in control, although she loved to battle with others almost as strong. She loved to play games for as long as she was the champion: for her, life was a game, but she always got dealt the rough hand. She felt as if she had been cheated and that everyone was against her. These were the moments when she laughed softly and pretended that everything was okay.4

Her lips peaked at the corners as she turned gently in her sleep. She never snored. She hated imperfections. The plain white bedspread matched the sterile walls. The sea breeze drifted through the open window and gently caressed her cheek. Her hand reached out across the mattress for another and found only comfortless quilts. She turned again.5

He was here this time. He was stood on the shore waiting for her. He held out his arms and pulled her close to him. They embraced each other as if there was nothing else of worth in the world. Her eyes sparkled. His shone, they implied some appreciation of her efforts.6

She always wondered why she would have to wait until forever to have this feeling. She had been told it was the best feeling in the world to hold someone close and know that they love you back. Shimmers of daylight ripped the haze from her eyes. She awoke. She tip-toed softly towards the open window and gazed out.7

Today the sea and no-one else waited for her. Tomorrow was another day, but she couldn't help believing that, somehow, tomorrow would be just like yesterday.8