Asleep in Emir's House,
She drifted into sleep, and after a while, she found herself waking up in Emir's house again. A familiar voice called out, "Wake up, Ember." Blinking and rubbing her eyes, she asked, "Who's there?"
"It's me, Emir."
Confusion and disbelief swirled in her mind. 'What's happening to me?' She mused silently.
Knocking persisted, "Knock, knock."
Opening the door, she found Emir outside. Inviting him in, she sat down on the bed as he entered. He inquired, "How was your sleep?"
"Good," she responded.
He probed further, "What's wrong?"
Her gaze avoiding his, she murmured, "Nothing."
Emir persisted, "I know something's bothering you. Tell me."
With a deep breath, she met his eyes and hesitantly revealed, "Did you believe me when I told you?" She searched his eyes for sincerity.
"Of course, I believe you. Did you have a dream about your parents?" he asked, his concern evident.
She answered with a mix of affirmation and uncertainty, "Yes and no."
Taking her hand in his, Emir gently urged, "Just tell me what happened."
Meeting his gaze, she continued, "I fell asleep here, and when I woke up, I was at my house."
"What?" Emir was as perplexed as she was.
"Exactly! I'm shocked. I don't understand what's happening. Can you pinch me? I need to know if this is real or just another dream."
Emir complied, pinching her hand. She winced, "Ouch!"
"Again!" she requested, and in a blank moment, she found herself waking up in her own room, the sun having set.
"Oh my God!"
'It was just a dream. My thoughts about him before sleeping triggered this.'
Mixed emotions swirled within her—happiness and sadness. After pondering for a while, she fell asleep again.
And Again...
Emir's voice resounded, "What happened, Ember?"
She groaned, "Ah, it hurts."
Emir's concern was immediate, "Are you okay?"
She nodded, though still clutching her head, feeling a bit dizzy.
Emir questioned, "Are you really alright?"
"Yes," she replied, while continuing to massage her head. She corrected him, "It's not my hand you pinched; it's my head."
He apologized, "I'm sorry if I pinched too hard," scratching his head.
She reassured him, "No, it's not that. You pinched my hand."
Concerned, he offered her water, urging her to drink. She complied, taking deep breaths until she felt better. Then, she addressed him, "Emir, do you believe me? I returned to my room when you pinched me and then ended up back here again, asleep."
In the midst of their conversation, Nanny's voice intervened, "Emir, have your breakfast. You're getting late for college."
Emir responded, "I'm not going today."
Nanny said, "Alright, but make sure to eat breakfast."
"I'll eat later," he replied.
Turning his attention back to Ember, he confessed, "I don't understand what's happening."
She echoed his confusion, "I'm just as puzzled."
He remarked, "What you're saying is very strange." Rubbing his chin, he contemplated the situation.
Ember offered, "I think I might be dreaming."
Emir countered, "How can you say that? It's daytime here, and it's nighttime in your city. That doesn't make sense," his irritation evident.
She mused, "I think you might be my imagination. I was very lonely back then, and maybe I imagined you..." Before she could complete her sentence, he abruptly pulled her closer, their lips meeting in a sudden kiss.