A nightmare revisited

Ayam jolted upright in bed, her heart pounding in her chest, sweat trickling down her forehead. Her breath came in ragged gasps as she fought to shake off the remnants of her nightmare. It was the same dream that had haunted her since she was twelve—the night her father had passed away.

She ran a trembling hand through her disheveled hair, the strands sticking to her damp skin. It took her a moment to gather her bearings, to remind herself that it was only a nightmare. Her father was no longer suffering, and she had to find a way to move on.

As Ayam sat on the edge of her bed, her room shrouded in the soft glow of dawn, she glanced at the old photograph of her father on her bedside table. It was a picture taken on her twelfth birthday, capturing the warmth and love in his eyes. She clung to the memory of that day, desperately trying to hold onto the bond they had shared.

Taking a deep breath, Ayam swung her legs over the edge of the bed and planted her feet firmly on the floor. She needed to distract herself, to find solace in something other than the ghostly echoes of her past. Perhaps a walk in the fresh morning air would help clear her mind.

As she strolled along the quiet streets, the rising sun painting the sky in shades of orange and gold, Ayam reflected on the challenges she had faced since her father's death. She had struggled with grief, battling the waves of sadness that threatened to drown her. Nightmares had become her unwelcome companions, robbing her of peaceful sleep and leaving her exhausted.

Her mother had done her best to support Ayam, providing love and guidance through the tumultuous years. But nothing could fill the void left by her father's absence. Ayam longed for a sense of closure, a way to finally lay her nightmares to rest.

While she was swimming in the depth of her thoughts, a faint voice reached out to her, 'Ayam. Ayam, are you listening to me? Hello, Ayam'. Coming out of her thoughts, she slowly lifted her head only to find her best friend, Naabi calling out to her.

They had grown up together, sharing secrets and dreams, finding solace in each other's company. Naabi was a lively and spirited soul, always ready with a quip or a joke to lighten the mood.

Naabi glanced at Ayam, concern etched on her face. "Ayam, you look exhausted. Did you have another one of those nightmares?"

Ayam sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Yes, Naabi. It seems they just won't let me be. It's been so many years, and yet I can't escape the clutches of those haunting dreams."

Naabi nodded sympathetically, her eyes filled with empathy. "You know, Ayam, I think the problem lies in the lack of men in your life. Your heart needs a distraction, something, or someone to take your mind off these nightmares."

Ayam raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement glimmering in her eyes. "Men, Naabi? Is that your solution to everything?"

Naabi grinned mischievously. "Well, it certainly wouldn't hurt, would it? I mean, just imagine the excitement, the rush of emotions, the thrill of discovering something new. It could be the remedy you've been seeking all along."

Ayam chuckled softly, appreciating Naabi's well-intentioned but slightly unconventional advice. "Naabi, you've always had a flair for the dramatic. But a man won't magically make my nightmares disappear. I need to find my own path to healing."

Naabi's expression softened, and she placed a comforting hand on Ayam's shoulder. "You're right, Ayam. Healing takes time, and it's a journey unique to each individual. Just remember that I'm here for you every step of the way, regardless of what path you choose."

Ayam smiled gratefully, grateful for Naabi's unwavering support. "Thank you, Naabi. Your friendship means the world to me. And who knows, maybe one day love will find its way to me."

Naabi's eyes twinkled mischievously again. "Well, until that happens, how about a little distraction? I know this guy who's been asking me to set him up on a blind date. He's kind, funny and easy on the eyes. What do you say?"

Ayam chuckled, shaking her head. "As tempting as that sounds, Naabi, I think I'll pass. I want my heart to find its own way, in its own time. I don't want to rush into something just for the sake of distraction."

Naabi nodded understandingly, a playful glint still present in her eyes. "Fair enough, Ayam. Just remember that I'm always here to play matchmaker whenever you're ready. But for now, let's focus on enjoying this beautiful morning and finding a way to banish those nightmares, one step at a time."

And with that, Ayam and Naabi continued their stroll, their laughter blending with the gentle breeze, filling the air with a sense of friendship and hope. Though Ayam's nightmares persisted, she found solace in knowing that she wasn't alone and that she had a friend by her side who would always be there to support her through the darkest nights and the brightest days.