Night cloaked Aldrian's small house in peaceful stillness. After a long day filled with whispers, diaries, and various activities, his body finally gave in to sleep on the modest bed in his bedroom. The quiet night and the dim light of his room made him feel relaxed and at ease. Aldrian slipped into a deep, restful slumber, where his dreams began to weave a different world—one that felt more vivid than reality itself.
In his dream, Aldrian found himself back in the same house. Yet something about it was different. The once simple and worn-down home now appeared well-kept. Every room was clean and tidy. The modest furniture gave off an elegant charm, adding warmth and a welcoming atmosphere. Every corner of the house radiated a comfort he had never felt before. The backyard garden, once overgrown with wild grass, had transformed into a breathtaking haven, filled with vibrant flowers, tomato plants, and lush greenery.
Aldrian was captivated by the sight. He walked along the garden path, inhaling the fresh scent of blooming flowers and letting the gentle breeze brush his face.
As Aldrian entered the living room, he saw a woman standing by the bookshelf, struggling to reach a book wedged on the top shelf. She was beautiful, wearing a white dress with long hair tied neatly with a pink ribbon. But what caught his attention more was the absurd and clumsy way she was trying to get the book. She was standing on a wobbly little chair, reaching with her fingertips just inches from her goal.
Aldrian stood frozen for a moment, watching as she repeatedly tried to balance on one leg atop the unstable chair, making little hops to grab the book. Her face was full of concentration, yet her awkward position made her look moments away from falling.
Just as she finally managed to grab the book, her foot slipped. Aldrian rushed forward and caught her just before she hit the floor.
"Are you okay?" he asked, barely holding back his laughter.
The woman quickly nodded, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Uhh, yeah, I'm okay … I was just trying to get this book," she replied, showing him the book that nearly slipped from her grasp.
Aldrian grinned as he gently set her back on her feet. "I think the book was trying to escape. You're fine, but that chair definitely isn't."
The woman let out an awkward laugh. "Yeah, seems like it. I messed up in my own dream."
Aldrian paused. "Your dream?"
He looked at her, puzzled. What did she mean? Clearly, this was his dream—or so he thought.
She nodded with a sheepish smile, brushing a bit of dust off her white dress. "Yeah, my dream. I dream a lot, but I'm not usually this clumsy," she said, her eyes now meeting his with deeper curiosity.
Aldrian stared at her, trying to process her words. "Wait. Your dream?" he asked again, more seriously. "But ... this is my dream."
The woman looked confused, then stared at him longer. "How is that possible? I've been here first, and usually ..., " she paused, " ... I'm always alone here."
They stared at each other in silence for a moment. Something wasn't right. Her eyes widened with surprise, while Aldrian watched her intently. The longer he looked, the more real she seemed. He took a small step back, a strange feeling creeping into his chest. Everything felt too real—the sunlight filtering through the window, the scent of flowers from the garden, the texture of her dress when he caught her. But how could this be?
"Who are you?" Aldrian finally asked, though the answer had already started forming in his mind. He had a strong hunch who this woman might be. Her name had been written in the diary he read earlier that day.
The woman took a deep breath and lowered her gaze before answering. "My name is Kana."
The name rolled off her tongue softly, but it hit Aldrian like a wave. That name had echoed in his thoughts all day since he read the diary. Kana, the woman whose life story was written across those pages. The one who seemed to be talking to someone in letters that never reached them.
His heart raced. "Kana?" he repeated, a bit hesitant even though he had already suspected it. "K-Kana? Are you the same Kana from that diary?"
Kana furrowed her brow. "Diary? I don't know anything about a diary, but … yes, my name is Kana." She looked at him with gentle eyes, as though she, too, had a question she wasn't ready to ask.
They stood in silence, both lost in the strangeness of the moment. Aldrian still felt confused, but a strange warmth began to stir in his chest. This woman—Kana—felt familiar, like someone he'd known forever. Even though the diary held a life entirely foreign to him, there was an unexplainable connection between them.
"Mm ... what's your name?" Kana finally broke the silence.
"I'm Aldrian," he replied before asking again, "If this is your dream, why am I here?" The question felt more important than it seemed.
Kana gave a small smile and shook her head. "Funny, isn't it? How can two people be in the same dream? Or maybe one of us is just an illusion in this dream."
Aldrian chuckled softly, trying to ease the tension. "You seem pretty convinced it's your dream."
Kana gave him a shy smile. "Aren't you the same?" she asked. Aldrian only smiled, and Kana continued. "Honestly, I often feel like I'm stuck inside a dream, but aware that I'm dreaming. Yet this time … it feels different. I've never met anyone else here. I don't know what's real anymore."
"What are your dreams usually like?"
Before Kana could answer, the scenery around them began to fade. The vibrant garden blurred, and Aldrian felt his body growing heavier, as if being pulled out of the dream.
When he woke up, his eyes opened wide, and he was back in his dimly lit room. His heart still raced, and his mind was filled with thoughts of Kana.
Aldrian sat at the edge of his bed, deep in thought. That dream had felt so real. Kana, the house—everything felt like more than just a fleeting dream.