I took a sip of my coffee, its warmth barely easing the heaviness of my still-tired eyes. I had woken up far too early, my mind still reeling from a dream so vivid, it clung to me like mist. It was about Nick and Jaimes—two faces from my past, yet in the dream, they felt as real as the morning light filtering through the curtains.

In the dream, Nick seemed... okay. Too okay, almost like he didn’t want to come back. The feeling unsettled me. Jaimes was there too, watching over me, his presence warm yet filled with a sadness that lingered like a shadow. I couldn’t shake the heaviness that had settled over me, the aching sense of loss.

Taking a deep breath, I texted my mom, needing a familiar connection.

Are you and the others awake yet?

I was already missing them, more than I could put into words. A few minutes later, her reply came,

Want to do a video call?

A small smile tugged at my lips as I sank deeper into Josh’s couch. Outside, the rain tapped softly against the windows—my favorite kind of weather. I felt a quiet comfort in it as I waited for the call to connect.

“Good morning, Arwen,” Mom’s face appeared on my screen, her smile warm but tired, the lines around her eyes showing the strain of worry.

“Morning, Mom,” I said, a soft warmth spreading through me at the sight of her. Despite everything, her presence was always grounding.

“How are you?” she asked, stirring her coffee absently.

“I’m okay, just woke up early,” I said, tucking my feet under me for warmth. “It’s cold here, been raining since last night.”

She gave a small nod. “That sounds nice, actually. No classes today, so you can take it easy.”

I smiled. “Yeah, I will. How are you, Mom?”

“I’m alright,” she began, but I could see the cloud of worry darkening her features. “Still worried about your brother. Have you heard anything about him?”

Her voice wavered just slightly, and I knew that asking about Nick had been weighing on her. I took a deep breath, preparing to offer her what little comfort I could. “I did, actually.” It wasn’t a complete lie. My vision of Nick had felt so real.

“Really? When, Arwen?” she asked, her eyes brightening with hope.

“Before I woke up,” I said, the words catching in my throat. “I saw him, but it was like I couldn’t reach him. He couldn’t see or hear me.”

Her brow furrowed with concern. “How is he? Does he look okay?”

I hesitated, biting my lip. “He looks... fine. His hair’s longer, and he’s tanned—like he’s been somewhere sunny.” I tried to keep my voice light, even managing a chuckle. “He looked strong.”

Mom’s eyes softened, a faint smile touching her lips as she absorbed my words. “I’m so glad to hear that,” she whispered. But even as she spoke, I could see the weight of her longing, her endless hope that Nick would come back.

“I miss him too, Mom. So much,” I admitted, blinking away the tears threatening to spill. “But if I find a way to reach him, I’ll let you know. I promise.”

She nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Thank you, sweetheart. I just want to know he’s safe.”

We spent the next few minutes catching up on life. Mom told me about Grae,I shared bits about my classes and how Josh and Leroy were keeping me company. But as we talked, I couldn’t ignore the lingering thought of Nick—how distant he felt, even in my dream.

As our call was winding down, Mom's expression turned softer, her voice quieter. “Arwen, I just want you to remember something. We love you so much. No matter what happens, we’re always here for you.”

Her words hit me in a way that made my heart swell with warmth, as though a protective shield had wrapped itself around me. “I love you too, Mom,” I replied softly, my voice thick with emotion. “I’m really lucky to have you.”

We said our goodbyes, and after the screen went dark, I set my phone aside, letting out a deep breath. The weight on my chest felt a little lighter, though not entirely gone. The rain still fell steadily outside, its soothing rhythm blending with the quiet of the room. For now, I allowed myself to be wrapped in the love of my family, their support like a lighthouse in the fog.

And despite everything—the dreams, the uncertainty, the ache of missing Nick—I knew I wasn’t alone. Whatever lay ahead, I could face it.

I spent the morning tidying up the room where I was staying. Josh was still asleep, his quiet breathing the only sound in the otherwise silent house. I thought about going for a jog, but the gentle rain outside put a damper on my plans. With a sigh, I lay back on my bed, closing my eyes, letting the soft patter of rain lull me. Slowly, I felt myself drifting into sleep—a dream, or so I believed.

Moments later, I opened my eyes to find myself in a place that was definitely not Josh’s apartment. The room was empty, and the air felt strangely dull and heavy. I was lying on what felt like a makeshift bed, and I could sense an eerie familiarity. My gaze drifted around the room, and suddenly it hit me. My heart began to pound faster as recognition set in.

I quickly stood and stepped out of the room, nerves prickling at the back of my neck. The house was silent and deserted, yet faint sounds of laughter and voices drifted from somewhere outside. Curiosity and urgency mingled within me as I made my way toward the door, an unexplainable pull guiding my steps.

Stepping outside, I was greeted by an open field stretching out under a cloudy sky. A sense of déjà vu washed over me. I knew this place—this was where I had met Nick. I swallowed, emotions bubbling up as I scanned the field.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

My eyes darted around, desperate to find him. And then, there he was, standing just a few steps away, his back turned to me. The sight of him filled me with a sudden rush of joy and longing. I couldn’t believe it. Without a second thought, I took off running toward him, my feet barely touching the ground. He hadn’t noticed me yet, but I was almost there.

“Nick!” I shouted, my voice trembling with a mix of relief and excitement as I closed the last few steps between us.

Nick didn’t seem to see me—or even notice me. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Was I dreaming?

"Nick..." I whispered, his name slipping from my lips as I stood directly in front of him.

He looked... different, older somehow, as if time had changed him since I last saw him. I studied him silently. He was seated on a blanket spread under the shade of an old, massive tree. Then, I noticed he wasn’t alone. A few steps away, I saw a woman watching him with a warm expression.

Could it be... Talisa? But why was she with Nick?

A boy was running around the woman, grinning, holding a wooden toy in his hand. He looked carefree, full of joy. Then, Nick spoke, his familiar voice pulling my gaze back to him.

“You have to help your mother, Marian,” he said with gentle authority.

I turned, my breath catching, as I spotted the girl he was talking to, sitting just behind him, quietly watching the scene. She looked at him with such adoration, and then... she noticed me. Her eyes widened, her brows furrowed in confusion.

What the actual hell is this?

Determined to make him see me, I stepped closer, right in front of him now. His gaze shifted, finally landing on me. A flicker of recognition crossed his face, his eyes filled with surprise and something... deeper. The girl, too, stared at me, confusion mingling with curiosity in her gaze.

“Nick! What is happening?” My voice wavered, my heart hammering. An unexplainable feeling washed over me, a mix of dread and hope. I didn’t want to confirm it, but I needed answers.

“Arwen? Is that you?” Nick whispered, his voice thick with emotion. His eyes filled with unshed tears.

“Father... who is she?” The girl tugged at his shirt, her voice soft and uncertain. The word hit me like a punch to the gut. Father?

I turned to him, my gaze searching his face for some explanation. “Father?” I choked out, the pain lacing my words. “Nick?”

In a heartbeat, Nick stood and closed the gap between us, wrapping his arms around me. The moment our bodies touched, a familiar tingling sensation flooded through me. His embrace was tight, crushing, and I couldn’t hold back the tears that spilled down my cheeks.

“Oh my God... is it really you, Arwen?” Nick murmured, his voice trembling, his arms holding me as if he was afraid I’d vanish.

I couldn’t speak. I could only sob in his arms, letting the days of grief and confusion melt away in his presence. Through blurry vision, I saw the woman approach, her expression gentle yet cautious, holding the two children by the hand.

Time slowed, and reality wavered, leaving me with only one clear truth: Nick was here, yet he had a life, a family I hadn’t been a part of.

“Nick...” I whispered, my voice barely audible as I stared at the three figures standing before us.

I could feel Nick’s hold on me loosen. He took a step back but kept his grip on my arm, almost as if he needed to steady himself. I noticed the shift in his expression—his usually soft features had hardened into a stern, unreadable mask. My heart skipped a beat.

“Arwen,” Nick said, his voice tight. “This is Talisa.”

The name hit me like a wave, and my gaze locked onto the woman in front of us. Talisa. She stepped forward slowly, her movements deliberate, like she was holding back something too heavy to bear. Flanking her were two children, each clutching her hands tightly. My breath caught in my throat as I looked at them. They seemed so small, innocent, yet there was something familiar about the way they glanced up at Nick.

Nick’s fingers tensed on my arm, sensing my unease. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the woman or the children. My mind raced with questions I wasn’t ready to ask. I felt like I was standing on the edge of a precipice, and one wrong move would send me spiraling into a truth I wasn’t prepared to face.

Talisa’s eyes met mine, and she offered a soft, almost apologetic smile. It was the kind of smile that hides a million unspoken words—regret, sadness, maybe even hope. I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice, but it was as if the air had been sucked out of the room.

“Hello, Arwen,” Talisa said gently, her voice carrying a warmth that only made my stomach twist tighter. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

I could only nod, my fingers digging into Nick’s arm as if he were the only thing keeping me grounded. The children looked up at me with wide, curious eyes, their small faces a mirror of emotions I couldn’t yet decipher.

“Are these... your kids?” I managed to whisper, my voice cracking at the end. It was a question I didn’t want to ask but couldn’t keep from escaping my lips.

Talisa hesitated, her eyes flicking to Nick before she nodded. “Yes,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “This is Ethan and Marian.”

Ethan and Marian. The names swirled around in my head like a storm. I felt a pang of something sharp and unnameable twist in my chest.

Nick finally spoke, his voice softer now, almost pained. “Arwen, I didn’t—”

“Don’t,” I cut him off, my eyes welling up as I fought to keep my composure. “Not right now.”

The silence that followed was deafening. I could feel the weight of everything unsaid pressing down on me, suffocating and relentless. I forced myself to look at the children again. Ethan was clutching a small, wooden toy, and Marian's hand was wrapped around her brother’s, seeking comfort.

I took a deep breath, feeling my fingers go numb as they slipped away from Nick’s arm. I tried to smile at the kids, but it felt brittle, like it might shatter at any moment.

“Hi, Ethan, Marian,” I managed, my voice breaking but kind. “It’s nice to meet you.”

The children looked up at me, their expressions shifting from curiosity to something softer, almost like a recognition I couldn’t explain. Talisa’s eyes softened as she watched me, and I couldn’t help but wonder what she saw—was it relief, fear, or something else entirely?

Nick opened his mouth as if to say something, but no words came. He looked between me and Talisa, his eyes filled with an emotion I couldn’t place—regret, guilt, maybe even longing.

“Arwen, I—” he began, but I shook my head, taking a step back.

“Later, Nick,” I whispered, my voice thick with unshed tears. “We’ll talk about this later.”

For now, I couldn’t handle the weight of it all. The questions, the explanations, the truth lurking in the space between us—it was too much. I needed time, space to process what had just happened. Without another word, I turned and walked away, leaving Nick, Talisa, and the children behind, feeling the sting of a reality I wasn’t ready to face.

The dream felt too real, too raw. I turned and walked away, feeling the sting of a reality I wasn’t ready to face. Everything blurred as I forced myself to wake up—

And then, I was back in Josh’s apartment, gasping for breath. My eyes snapped open, and I bolted upright, clutching the blanket with trembling hands. The rain still pattered softly against the window, but the soothing sound was drowned out by the rush of blood pounding in my ears.

It was a dream. Only a dream.

But as I sat there, heart racing, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it had been more than just a figment of my imagination. It felt like a glimpse into a future I wasn’t prepared for, a truth I wasn’t ready to face.

I buried my face in my hands, trying to steady my breathing. “Just a dream,” I whispered to myself, even as a part of me wondered if it was something more—a warning, a message, or a vision of a life I had never imagined.

For now, all I could do was wait and see if the echoes of this morning's dream would fade... or if they were only the beginning.