There is a recurring dream that often haunts Lana on the nights of the full moon. A vivid yet surreal dream of her standing in the middle of the dark and enigmatic forest. The moon is high and its silver hue illuminated Lana’s skin. Millions of stars decorated the night sky, resembling glistening tears around the moon.
Lana was enticed by it, her eyes fixed upon the celestial orb afraid that if she blinked it would disappear behind the approaching dark clouds. She can hear it calling to her, an ethereal voice getting louder the longer she stared at the moon.
As Lana reached her hand out towards the moon, she felt herself falling backwards. Freezing water engulfed her body, suffocating her as she drowned deeper into the darkest part of the river. She allowed the water to swallow her whole, finding peace in the deafening silence that followed. The deeper she sank, the more content she felt, as though all her fears and worries were washed away by the cold numbing water.
After a beat, she noticed something approaching her. A creature that resembles a wolf appeared before her, its icy blue eyes stared deep into Lana’s and without a warning it lunged towards her.
A knock on the door caused Lana to jolt awake. She felt the air her lungs escapes her body as though she was truly drowning. She quickly sat up on her bed, attempting to calm down by reminding herself that it was just a dream. An incredibly consistent and annoying dream that has tormented her all her life. She took a few deep breaths before turning to look at the clock on her bedside table. It was almost 6pm.
“Lana?” a voice from the other side of the door called out.
“C-Come in!” Lana announced, her voice heavy with sleep. She cleared her throat and pinched her cheeks to wake herself up fully.
The door was pushed openly gently as a familiar concerned gaze greeted her. “Are you alright?” Ray asked hesitantly.
Lana offered him a weak smile. “Just a weird dream.” she sighed.
Ray walked towards her bed and sat on the edge of it. He placed his hand on her shoulder reassuringly and gave her a sympathetic smile. “Do you want to talk about it?” he asked.
Lana shook her head as she placed her hand above Ray’s. “I’m fine now!” she beamed. “Are you done with work?”
“Yeah, I have to go back later but I did promise you that I’ll come visit your parents with you today.” Ray said as he stood up. “Are you still up for it?”
“Of course, I am,” Lana smiled, trying her best to ignore the heavy burden suffocating her chest.
*
Lana studied Ray’s expression as he enthusiastically talked about the new episode of the TV drama he religiously watched. Even after 10 years of living with him, she can never get tired of how Ray’s brown eyes seem to glisten like polished amber under the sunrays. His dark skin seemingly gives off a brilliant glow under the sun which makes him resemble an otherworldly being. Lana frowned at how unfair it was that this almost 40-year-old man had such perfect skin.
“You’re doing that thing again.” Ray said, his eyes fixed on the road as his index finger tapped rhythmically on the steering wheel.
“What do you mean?” Lana asked innocently.
“Staring.”
“Hm? Are you saying I can’t stare at my lovely guardian?” Lana teased.
Ray made a face. “You’re only this nice to me when you want something.” Ray sighed.
Lana let out a soft laugh. “Please, I’m always nice to you.” she said as her attention turned towards the bouquet of pink camellias on her lap.
“It’s supposed to be a full moon tonight,” Ray suddenly mentioned.