She was tired of her monotonous life. She decided to take a break from her 9-5 job and make some time out for herself. She submitted a leave in her office for a week and left.

Next day, she planned to pack her things up and go for a long drive and visit the village nearby, spend time in the fields, and play with the children. That's what she decided but God's plan was way too different.

When she set out for the village, her car got punctured in the middle of the drive. There was no shop around so she decided to fix it herself. She took out the jack from the trunk, and the tire. It was too heavy. She dropped it, it bounced on the road then settled. She dragged it to the rear of the car, placed the jack beneath the car where she thought it should be and moved the lever. It was too hard. "Ugh!" She yelled as she tried to push the lever of the jack. She was trying her best when a guy from the fields came to help following her voice.

"Lady, may I help you?" He asked.

"Ummm..yes.. thanks." She stepped back and watched the man effortlessly working with the jack, lifting the car and unscrewing the tyre.

"It's about to be sunset. You got a place to spend the night?" he asked as he worked.

"Well, not really. I am deciding to camp."

"It's a bad idea, I am afraid. There are a lot of hyenas around and wild dogs too. As it gets darker, you will need a safe place."

"What do you suggest?"

"I have a cottage nearby. You may spend the night there."

"Well, thanks."

As he fixed the tyre, she looked around. The lush green view was soothing to her eyes. The sound of wild birds, sparrows, and swallows was new to her. She felt good. She sat on the side of the road while the tyre got fixed.

"It's done, my lady."

"Let me drive us to your cottage." She offered.

"Ok. But you will have to leave the car at a distance. The path is rocky and very narrow off the road." He told.

They drove towards the cottage. What a view it was. A simple and sound cottage next to a farm with cows and sheeps grazing. She parked her car and they walked to the cottage. With every step towards that warm and cozy cottage, she felt relaxed.

A simple place with a long sofa set in front of the fireplace. A kirchen, and doors to two other rooms.

"You please use the restroom if you wish to." He offered. "The one at the right."

She got fresh and returned. He had served warm milk and blueberry pie. Oh, the simplicity! She was taken. It was the best moment.

"You live alone?" She asked.

"No, I am married and have a son. They have left for another farm to deliver eggs and milk. They will return tomorrow morning. What about you?"

"I..uh.. I'm single. Just on a break."

"Parents?"

"Dad died when I was ten and mum died last year."

"Sorry."

"It's ok. She would have loved this place. Definitely!"

"Yeah, you like it? I will show you around in the morning."

Soon they could hear the cows mooing. He left to hurdle the animals in the shed. When he returned, she was asleep. He looked at her, walked close to her and tried to wake her up. She didn't respond. He slapped her.

She woke up.

No one was around. The cottage, the pie, the milk, the fireplace, all gone! She was lying alone on her bed. Her alarm was beeping.

She shut it down.

It was her week off. Her bag was packed. She had to go down the city to the rural side today but the dream was haunting her. The man, the cottage, the fireplace, and that slap. Should she continue with her plan? She gave it a thought.

She picked her stuff, and set out for the drive. After driving for a few miles, her car got punctured. Her eyes widened. She got down, dragged the tyre out, pulled out the jack, and was about to start working with it when a man came up from the fields, "May I help you?"

She froze right there wishing it was just a dream and nothing more.