Alex watches from afar, a twinge of envy visible in their gaze. They edge closer, trying to seem casual.
Bell
Hey Alex! Long time no see, huh?
nervously chuckles Yeah, it's been a while. You know how it is, always busy with... life. glances at their phone
Bell
What have you been up to? Still causing trouble wherever you go?
laughs awkwardly Oh, you know me, Bell. Just trying to stay out of trouble, but trouble seems to find me no matter where I go.
Bell
Well, I've been working non-stop on this business venture. It's been crazy, but rewarding. How about you? Any new projects?
shifts uncomfortably Well, uh, I've been doing some freelance writing. Nothing groundbreaking, just trying to make a name for myself.
Bell
That sounds great, Alex! Writing can be tough, but if anyone can do it, it's you.
takes a deep breath Look, Bell, there's something I need to tell you. It's been eating at me for a while now, and I just... I can't keep it to myself anymore.
Bell
Sure, I'm all ears. What's on your mind?
pauses, takes a deep breath Bell, I... I've been having these dreams. Weird, vivid dreams that feel more like memories. Memories of things that never happened to me.
Bell
Huh, interesting. What kind of stuff?
leans in closer, speaking softly I dream about a girl named Sarah. We were best friends when we were kids, but she disappeared one day and I never heard from her again.
Bell
That's wild, Alex. So you're telling me you've been having these dreams about a girl named Sarah who disappeared years ago?
nods, looking slightly anxious Yeah, it's weird.
Bell
Do you remember any specific details from the dreams? Like, does she say anything to you? Does she look scared or calm?
leans back, crossing their arms Well, in one dream, I was walking through this dark forest, and I saw Sarah standing by a tree, looking scared. She kept whispering something about being chased.
Bell
Damn, that sounds intense. And you said you were walking through a forest? Do you think it could be symbolic or something?
shrugs I don't know, Bell. It could just be my mind conjuring up random images. But it feels so real, you know?
Bell
Yeah, I get that. Dreams can be pretty surreal sometimes. Have you talked to a therapist about them?
sighs I did go see a therapist a few months ago. They said it could be a form of unresolved trauma or maybe my subconscious is trying to process something.
Bell
Makes sense, Alex. Trauma can definitely manifest in weird ways, especially through dreams. Did the therapist help you figure out anything about your dreams?
shakes their head The therapist didn't really help much. They told me to try relaxation exercises and journaling, but nothing seemed to make a difference.
Bell
Journaling might still be worth a shot, Alex. Sometimes putting your thoughts and feelings down on paper can give you some clarity.
rolls their eyes Yeah, well, I've tried that too. It didn't work either. I just end up writing the same things over and over again.
Bell
Well, maybe give it another shot. Or try drawing or painting or something creative. Sometimes expressing yourself through art can tap into your subconscious and help you make sense of things.
pauses for a moment, then looks at Bell with gratitude Thanks, Bell. I appreciate your suggestions.
Bell
Of course, Alex. I'm always here to help. And remember, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm just a phone call away.
smiles gratefully Thanks, Bell. I'll definitely give journaling another shot. And who knows, maybe it'll actually help this time.
Bell
the two continue talking
nervously chuckles Yeah, I mean, it's not like I have anything to lose, right? Might as well give it another shot.
Bell
Exactly, Alex. And who knows, your dreams might even start making more sense.
stands up abruptly Hey, Bell, I've got an idea. Maybe we could go to the old forest where I dreamt about Sarah. Who knows, maybe it'll give me some answers.