How Does That Make You Feel?

"So, Mai, tell me about the dream you've been having!"

Mai laid down on the couch, leaving her Gucci bag on the floor.

"It starts out, when I'm in an hourglass."

"An hourglass? And how did you get into the hourglass?"

"A crazy guy took his cane and waved it at me and then all of the sudden, I was trapped. And the sand just keeps coming down, getting heavier and heavier as more falls onto my head…"

"Perhaps you've developed to heavy of a workload, or you feel like you're trapped with responsibilities? Or…"

"Oh no, that really happened! The dream is like a flashback, but more terrible."

"It really happened? Are you sure you didn't just dream it all?" Dr. Mensa asked nervously.

"No, it was to terrible to forget! But then instead of darkness, the hourglass overlooks the beach! And all of my friends are there, so I cry for help, but they just laugh and one by one, they head into the ocean… They're all having fun and enjoying themselves and they don't care that I'm suffering! Then they start to disappear. Goodbye… Bye, Mai… See you, Mai…" She mocked. "Then the landscape goes back to darkness. And there's one more voice. But it's dark and cold. I've heard it before, but I don't recognize it… Then there is maniacal laughter. And it comes from all around. And then the cane comes down on the hourglass. But it doesn't break, however whenever it gets hit, I am tossed around, battered and bruised against the icy, unbreakable glass… Eventually I wake up, drenched in a cold sweat. Crying…"

"Tell me, how often do you see the friends that appear in the dream?"

"I… Well… Not often. I travel and we always end up together, but…"

"You stay by yourself?"

"Yes… I stay alone, and they always offer for me to go with them, but I don't. I try to act like I'm strong… Brave… But I'm not!"

"I see… I think we've pinpointed the problem, Mai! You see, you've been raised to be tough, and you never really know how to ask for help. My advice is to go and see your friends. Don't call them on the phone, but talk, face to face. Go do things with them. And once you feel ready, go to the beach. It might be tough, but it'll feel good to interact with friends. Once you face your fear of asking for help, your dream should stop occurring."

Mai sat up straight and pulled her wavy, blonde hair out of her face. "Thank you, doctor. I feel better about the situation."

"That's great, Mai! And remember, I you ever need help again, my door is always open!"

Author's Note: Sorry, I'm so late updating! I've been so busy with exams coming up… But thanks to everyone who reviewed my first chapter! Make sure to review this one too!