Dream Interceptor

There are times I find myself lost in reverie. My dreams are more than a neural process…but a connector to people, my emotions. It’s been said that dreams function like psychotherapy, “making connections in a safe place.” But there are times when dreams aren’t so safe…when dreams turn ugly. When I can’t wake up, I find myself praying for control, control over characters and the environment of the dream…the skill of a lucid dreamer. Perhaps, one day I will master this skill, but for now, I simply intercept…

“Claudia, you really have to stop showing up like this!” Kerry griped.

“I’m sorry. I know, I know. I really can’t control it,” I explained.

“It’s always at the most inopportune time!” Kerry continued as she unloosed her arm from Chris’ hold.

Kerry looked at Chris, closed her eyes, and said, “OK, just one more kiss.” Chris looked at her and then at me and then back at her, totally confused. Kerry opened her eyes and said exasperatedly, “OK, bye, Chris.”

And just like that, Chris vanished. Kerry scrunched her face at me and said, “Umm, you can go now, too. This one is a complete wash.”

When she scrunched her face up like that, she reminded me so much of our mother. Kerry and I are fraternal twins. She looks more like our mom, long, jet black hair with olive skin, short, petite stature. Whereas, I’m a clone of our father: long, dark brown hair, olive skin, and tall. Differing features but definitely sisters.

“You know it’s not that easy, Kerry,” I said.

“Fine,” Kerry said, crossing her arms. “We’ll just both sit here until…” Kerry’s thought was interrupted by a sudden ominous darkness. Water started seeping from under her closed door…and fast. I began to panic, as did Kerry. Her eyes widened and her thoughts were clear: We can’t swim!

“Kerry, what the hell?” I screamed.

“This is reminiscent of a scene from Titanic. I should know; I fell asleep watching it.” Kerry cried.

I ran for the door and of course, it was locked. We banged and banged, in the dark. The water continued to rise. Our clothes were soaked and I could hear Kerry begin to choke. The water had risen up to her nostrils.

Beep. Beep. Beep. Around 6:00 AM, the alarm clock started to wail. I glanced over at Kerry. She was still sound asleep. I silenced the alarm clock and tapped Kerry on the shoulder. She gave me a snotty look and then we started laughing nervously…uncontrollably.

“OK, it’s funny now, but it wasn’t a few minutes ago!” Kerry admitted.

“I had no idea you had the hots for Chris. Since when?” I asked.

“I can’t answer that question because I didn’t really know either. Funny, the feelings that emerge in my subconscious,” Kerry mused.

“The dream world can be like that sometimes. In the future, nix the tragedy romance movies before going to bed. At least until I master the art of lucid dreaming!”