[ WP ] At night , you dream of a wonderful person you have never met before . You wake up to find them sitting on your bed looking at you curiously ...

I ’ ve lived in this house for most of my adult life. My daughter, Nicole, filled her room with her princess toys. When her mom passed last June, it took its toll on the kid. She ’ d have to start school without her. I still dream about her, my wife. 
 
 But not this time. This time, there is a different woman, one I don ’ t recognize. Her chestnut hair drapes over her shoulder, carefree and youthful. She clasps her hand around mine, imparting a calming warmth. Her smile melts my heart as she tugs on my arm. She ’ s pulling me to a building. It ’ s so blurry. My eyes can ’ t focus. I walk in behind her and her clothes have changed. She ’ s wearing all black, like a judge and holding a thick folder. I ’ m clapping for some reason. She embraces me tightly, then pulls away slightly. She ’ s now wearing all white. Her hair is pulled up, too. Her hand is still clutching mine as we shuffle to some music. I feel her ring pressing against my finger and realize that mine is gone. She looks so happy. I frantically search my pocket, but this woman ’ s arm sets itself upon my shoulder. 
 
 “ Are you okay? ” she asks me. I notice some strands of gray hidden among the rich browns. There are wrinkles around her eyes. Her hand loosens its grip and I take hold of her wrist. I don ’ t want her to go. But she does go and I am alone. Then I wake up. 
 
 She ’ s sitting on the bed. She looks just as I last saw her just moments before my eyes opened. 
 
 “ You ’ re awake, ” she cries. “ Oh thank goodness. ” 
 
 As her arms worm their way around the tubes and pillows, the constricting embrace goes unreturned. 
 
 “ Who are you? ” I ask. 
 
 She releases me and sits up straight. There is sadness in her eyes. I ’ ve seen that sadness before, standing by the street waiting for the yellow bus to arrive. 
 
 “ It ’ s me, ” she replies as though the answer is obvious. “ Nicole. ” 
 
 “ Same name as my daughter, ” I shout. “ Speaking of which, I need to wake her up. The bus will be here soon. ”
