CRIMINAL MIND

CHAPTER 5 DREAM

Often, people report having similar dreams: They’re being chased, fall off a cliff, or show up in public naked. These types of dreams are probably caused by hidden stress or anxiety. The dreams may be similar, but experts say the meaning behind the dream is unique to each person. By interpreting our dreams, we may gain insight into our lives and ourselves. Many people say they’ve come up with their best ideas while dreaming.

Essentially, dreams are images and stories that the mind creates while the body sleeps. Dreams can be quite vivid, as if you’re right there, living it out, if just in your mind. Dreams can make you feel frightened, angry, sad, happy and all ranges of emotions in between. Some dreams seem absolutely normal and rational, while others may seem bizarre or confusing. Dreams occur at any point in the sleep cycle, but scientists say that the most vivid dreams occur during periods of rapid eye movement sleep.

Dreams are meant to help the mind process emotions, incorporate memories and solve problems. Others think that dreams are helpful to the brain in processing the day's events and the dreamer's thoughts. Nightmares, or unpleasant dreams, are not uncommon among the general population. Everyone has had one, and many people have them frequently. Nightmares are more common during periods of conflict, fear, stress and after experiencing trauma.

If you have a certain nightmare over and over again, your subconscious may be trying to tell you something. Listen to it. If you can't figure out why you’re having bad dreams, talk to a mental health care provider. They may be able to help you figure out what’s causing your nightmares and give you tips to put you at ease.

Keep in mind that no matter how scary a nightmare is, it’s not real and most likely won’t happen to you in real life.

In a subdivision in Makati, there can be found a three-year-old boy named Albert Santos or better known as Al, the daughter of a wealthy couple Mr. Dante and Mrs. Rita blessed with two siblings named Michaela and Johnson who are both attending High School at the well-known University in Manila.

Their family lives a simple life and even though they often go through trials, they still do not lose faith in God.

One night when everyone was sound asleep, a strange dream visited Al. Dream that he could not fully comprehend, he was then under the water where he saw himself as a full-grown man. He had a man with a handcuffs who seemed to have lost consciousness, he tried to get up in the water so he immediately waved and clutch his hands up with the man, the part of the water was very deep and it took them a few more minutes before floating on the surface of the water. When they floated, Al sighed and breath in relief while the man gradually regained consciousness, when he opened his eyes Al looked closely at the man's face, it looked like he was only the same with his age and he got a baby gentle face and was quite interesting because Al was even more impressed with his intoxicating charm. Al looked around and realized that they were inside the swimming court where the two of them were swimming in the swimming pool, it was very dark all around and he didn’t seem to see anyone else there so he took a deep breath.

He turned to the man then he spoke.

This is probably the right chance for them to be on time to escape.

"Come on," Al held the man's cold hands again.

But suddenly all the lights switch on, Al was surprised and alarmed at what could happen so he suddenly pulled the man and grabbed him and cover his eyes with his own hands, the man immediately responded, the man suddenly take way his hands and when Al opened his eyes he observed the change in the man's appearance, there he felt danger and he think the intense concern for his safety as well as the safety of other people. The man's face grew wicked and his calm and gentle form could no longer be seen on his face and in a flash his eyes suddenly shone as if his dazzling light was coming from lightning.

This is probably his end.

"AHHHH!"

Al turned to lie down and he went back to being a child, when he opened his eyes the light prevailed throughout the bedroom, he realized that it was morning and his mommy would definitely call him as a wake-up call.

"Baby… Baby…" Mommy Rita calls Al who can be heard walking towards his bedroom.

Al could already hear his mother’s footsteps on the floor and he was sure her mommy would soon be in his room.

Somehow he was reassured that he was staying in his room and it was just a scary dream he had. Only now has he encountered that kind of dream and to this day his body hairs are still standing a bit.

After a while, the door suddenly opened and his cheerful and lively mommy Rita came out, she greeted him with a kiss and a tight hug.

"Good morning baby Al how was your night? Did you sleep well?" this happy greeting to Al.

But Al didn't answer but tightened his grip on her mommy's dress so it quickly gets ruffled. His mommy was a bit confused and worried about what he did so she talked to Al.

"Baby what's wrong? Is there a problem?" there is concern with her thoughts.

Al replied.

"Mommy I had a bad nightmare, I’m scared." Al was already in tears. His heart kept pounding and his forehead were almost sweating.

His mommy comforted him in a soothing calm voice.

"Don't be afraid baby, nightmare is just an illusion that will never happen so don't cry. Come on, let's go downstairs and I'll prepare a delicious breakfast so you have energy for the whole day, okay?" tender assurances coming from his mommy.

At that point, Al believed his mommy, he was reassured by what she said and he felt the assurance that he had nothing to fear from something that had not happened yet.