Awakening

I jolted awake, the remnants of a dream slipping away like grains of sand through my fingers. For a brief moment, I lay there, disoriented, surrounded by the soft hum of morning. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting gentle patterns across the room, and the scent of fresh coffee wafted in from the kitchen. Yet, something felt off—a lingering echo that tugged at my consciousness, nagging at the edges of my mind.

I pushed myself up, rubbing my eyes. Today was another ordinary Tuesday, but my heart raced as if it were the first day of a new chapter. I swung my legs over the side of the bed, my feet landing on the cool wooden floor. As I stood, a sudden flash of an unfamiliar face flickered in my mind—dark hair, striking eyes, a smile that seemed both warm and haunting.

Shaking my head, I brushed it off. Just remnants of a dream, I told myself. The familiar surroundings of my small apartment grounded me—the books piled high on the shelves, the half-finished canvas propped against the wall, and the comforting clutter that made it feel like home. I moved to the bathroom, splashing water on my face to wake myself up fully, but the image lingered, teasing me like a forgotten song on the tip of my tongue.

After a quick shower and breakfast, I grabbed my messenger bag and stepped outside, the brisk morning air invigorating. The world outside was alive with the sounds of cars humming by and birds chirping in the trees. Yet, beneath it all, I felt a strange heaviness, as if I was carrying something I couldn't quite identify.

At the coffee shop where I worked, the usual bustle greeted me. The barista, Maya, greeted me with a bright smile, her energy infectious. "Hey, Avery! Ready for another crazy day?"

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Always."

As I prepared for the morning rush, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Every time I glanced around, I felt eyes on me—curious, probing. I tried to focus on the steaming cups of coffee in front of me, the rhythmic sound of the espresso machine, but my thoughts wandered to the memory of that stranger from my dream. Who were they? What did they mean to me?

The morning unfolded in a blur of orders and laughter. I lost myself in the routine, the familiar motions calming the restlessness within. However, as the clock ticked on, the odd sense of déjà vu crept back. Each customer felt like a reflection of someone I had known before, each interaction a ghost of a life I couldn't remember.

During a quiet moment, I leaned against the counter, observing the world outside the window. A man walked by, his posture reminiscent of a soldier I had once known, and my heart fluttered at the sudden wave of emotion that washed over me—longing, pain, and an inexplicable bond. I blinked, but the feeling faded like mist in the morning sun.

"Hey, Earth to Avery!" Maya waved a hand in front of my face, pulling me back to reality. "You okay? You've been zoning out all morning."

"Yeah, just tired," I lied, forcing a smile. "Late night."

Maya narrowed her eyes, unconvinced, but before she could pry, a new wave of customers flooded in. The rest of the shift passed in a blur, but I could feel the weight of the unknown pressing down on me. Who was that person in my dream? What did they want?

After my shift ended, I found myself wandering through the nearby park, the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow over everything. Children laughed in the distance, and couples strolled hand in hand. I sat on a bench, letting the warmth wash over me, trying to clear my mind.

It was then that I saw him—a tall man, his dark hair catching the light just right, and those same striking eyes that had haunted my dreams. My heart raced, and I held my breath. I couldn't look away. He was walking with an older woman, perhaps his mother, who laughed at something he said. There was an ease to his movements, a familiarity that felt both comforting and alarming.

Before I could think, I stood up, compelled to follow him. What was happening? Why did I feel this intense connection? I navigated through the park, heart pounding, trying to keep a safe distance. As I moved closer, the world around me blurred—people's laughter faded, and all I could focus on was him.

Just as I thought I might catch his attention, he turned, glancing over his shoulder. Our eyes met, and in that moment, time seemed to stand still. A rush of memories flooded my mind—laughter shared, battles fought, a promise made long ago. I felt a jolt of recognition, as if I had known him for centuries.

But before I could step forward, the moment shattered. He looked away, his brow furrowing in confusion, and continued walking. I stood frozen, the realization hitting me like a cold wave—I had lost him, lost that connection.

Despair washed over me, and I stumbled back to the bench, my heart racing and mind spinning. What was happening to me? Who was he? Why did I feel so drawn to someone I'd never met?

I sat there, feeling utterly lost, tears welling in my eyes. The weight of the day pressed down on me, each unanswered question a stone in my heart. I had to make sense of this—there had to be a reason for these echoes from the past.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of the fading light surround me. In the quiet of the park, I promised myself that I would uncover the truth, no matter how deep I had to dig or how painful the journey might be.

Little did I know that this was only the beginning.