I stayed in the garden for a while, just staring at the stars and the full moon. The moon was incredibly beautiful—perfectly round, surrounded by stars.
I went back inside, but when I entered, everyone was gone. Maybe they had already returned to their rooms. Andreis probably went home too. I headed upstairs to my room, changed into my sleepwear, brushed my teeth, and combed my hair. I was a bit tired from everything that happened today.
I was crying while running. I was in the forest. Where's my mom? Where's my dad?! Help me!!! I was screaming, but no sound was coming out! Help! A huge dog is chasing me!! Help!!
I woke up from the dream, gasping for air, chest heavy, terrified. I sat up, still out of breath. I always dream about that—every day. I've gotten used to it, but it still has the same effect on me. It's heavy on the chest and I'm always gasping when I wake up from it. I've told my mom about this dream a few times, but she always just says, "It's just a dream. What matters is it's not real. Just take a deep breath." I've been dreaming about this since I was a child.
I was thirsty. I wanted water. I stood up and considered going downstairs to get some. The lights in the house were already off. The only one left on was the garden light. Maybe they forgot to turn it off? It actually looked beautiful—just that one light illuminating the garden.
I started walking to the kitchen, but before I got there, I peeked outside the window. I pulled back the curtain to take a look and laughed when I startled the guard outside—he looked like he'd just seen a ghost! I flashed him a peace sign while laughing. He just shook his head. Grumpy. The outside looked amazing—only the moonlight lighting up the surroundings.
I headed to the kitchen to get water. I turned on the light because I couldn't see where I was going. As soon as I flipped the switch, I jumped in shock. It felt like my heart separated from my body. I saw Andreis—sitting in Dad's seat at the dining table, holding a glass of water. "Damn it!" I yelled. He laughed. He was wearing a plain white shirt and checkered pajama pants. Does he live here?!
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I just don't like bright lights, so I didn't turn it on," he said while chuckling softly. "Do you live here?!" I asked while grabbing a glass for water. "Yes, next to your room," he replied. "HUHHH?" was all I could say.
"Our dads are best friends. We don't have property here; everything's in Italy. Your dad didn't want me to have to buy a whole property just for myself, so he offered to let me stay here instead," he explained. He was still sitting at the table while I walked over, holding my glass of water.
"Got it now," I replied. "Why are you still up?" he asked while sliding the chair next to him—Mom's spot. A silent invitation for me to sit. Since I wasn't sleepy anymore and needed the distraction, I sat down.
"I had a bad dream. Now I can't sleep," I answered as I placed my water on the table. He nodded and smiled. "You really don't have a brother?" I asked again, hoping the answer would change—hoping I might find Angelo through him. "None. Only child. As far as I know," he said. Ugh, this is hard. I really need to investigate more.
"What time is it?" Andreis asked as he stood up. "Last time I checked, it was 2:30," I said. "Get up and go to your room. Go to sleep," he said as he reached for my right arm and pulled me up. He held my arm as we walked toward my room. I had a strange déjà vu—it felt exactly like when Angelo pulled me through the mall until we got to the parking lot. The feeling was exactly the same. Identical. Could Andreis and Angelo be the same person? But how? Ugh, I'm thinking crazy things again. I shook my head, as if I could shake the thoughts right out of my brain.
"Go inside and sleep."