I am back ...

Second Day…

She jolted awake, mumbling, "What the heck?" Upon opening her eyes, she found herself in her own room. A knock on the door followed, accompanied by her mother's voice, "Ember, wake up! You're getting late for college."

"Coming," she responded, a lingering smile on her face. As she pondered, 'So it was just a dream, but it felt so real.' A smile softened her features, though a hint of sadness remained.

She took a deep breath, attempting to calm her emotions. She got out of bed, ready to start her day by freshening up and changing into her college uniform.

Heading downstairs, she found her mother in the kitchen preparing breakfast. She embraced her, whispering, "I missed you."

Her mom chuckled, "We saw each other last night before you slept." Then realization dawned upon her. "Oh, I just miss you and love you."

"I love you too." Her mother kissed her forehead affectionately. "Now, eat your breakfast."

While eating, her mind drifted back to breakfasts she'd had with Emir. She couldn't help but think, 'Is he okay? It was just a dream, but I miss him.'

"Ember, you're running late for college," her mom reminded her.

Snapping back to reality, she affirmed, "Yes, yes! I'm off to the bus stop. Bye!"

"Take care," her mother called after her.

At the bus stop, while sitting on her seat, her thoughts circled back to him. Even at college, she couldn't shake the thoughts. 'Will I ever meet him again?' Emir's memory remained etched in her mind.

Sofia approached, saying, "Hey, Ember."

"Hello," she responded, her gaze distant.

"Are you feeling okay?" Sofia asked, concerned.

She nodded and looked at Sofia this time. Throughout class, her mind wandered, and during lunch, she reflected on the moments they had shared at Emir's university canteen.

Curious, Sofia inquired, "What's making you smile?"

Ember replied, "It's nothing. I had a beautiful dream today, and it just brightened my mood. I'm done; let's head to the library."

"Alright," Sofia agreed. "Let's go."

With a smile, they spent time at the library until it was time to head home. At the bus stop, they bid each other goodbye, and Ember boarded her bus.

On her way back home, she listened to music, the lyrics resonating with her thoughts:

"I know that I can't find nobody else as good as you I need you to stay I need you to stay, hey"

Lost in the melody, she closed her eyes, reminiscing about his kind and caring nature.

After a while, she reached home. Her mom's voice greeted her, "You're back. Wash up and have dinner."

"Sure," she replied.

During dinner, her mother noticed her distant expression. "Are you alright?"

With a nod, Ember confirmed, "Yes."

Her mom persisted, "You seem lost in thought today."

Her father joined in with concern, "Did something happen at college?"

She reassured them, "Nothing's wrong. College is going well. I made a new friend named Sofia. She's been nice to me." A smile accompanied her words, calming their worries.

Her father smiled back, "That's great to hear."

"I'm done," she stated, and they all spent some time watching TV together.

"Time for bed," her mom suggested.

"Okay." She headed to her room, turned off the light, and lay down. Thoughts of the dream she'd had filled her mind. 'It was such a beautiful dream. I wish I could meet him again.' With that, her mind slowly drifted into sleep.

"What? What? Again..."