Sweet Dreams (Serena)

Serena sighed happily, swinging her feet as she sat on the wooden bench. She was thinking about Karissa, her bestie, again. Karissa was a precious soul. Granted, she was rather serious, but she was kind and loyal. Serena couldn’t ask for a better friend.

Serena walked towards the crystalline lake, basking in the sunshine, and reflected on her tranquil surroundings. She had always loved the breath-taking lake with its shimmering shoreline. It was a place that invigorated her cheerful disposition. A day by the lakeside always recharged her batteries, leaving her peppy and perky for days to come.

Then she saw something approaching from the distance. Serena broke into a huge grin. It was the endearing figure of Karissa.

Serena considered waving frantically at her friend, wishing for Karissa to be near and share the energizing lakeside experience with her. She glanced at her own reflection. The image that mirrored back to her was that of a petite, purple puppy. She blinked. She had thought she had also glimpsed a baby fish escaping a burning building beneath the lake’s depths, but that made no sense. It lasted a brief moment, leaving Serena questioning whether she had actually witnessed its existence or merely imagined the scene altogether. Serena shrugged, unperturbed.

The breeze teased the glistening surface as turtles frolicked below, much to Serena’s delight. Serena grabbed a fluffy, large cat plush that had been strewn nearby on the shore; she stroked it lovingly with her fingers, caressing soft, faux fur.

Serena dipped her toes in the clear water, releasing a contented sigh. Karissa came closer, and Serena wore a dazzling smile on her face.

Karissa gazed at her with devoted affection, leaving Serena with the impression of being immersed in a sea of gentle, cuddly kittens and puppies; Serena felt so warm and adored. Karissa seemed to stare into her soul. "I love you, but it’s time to be serious," she gently admonished.

Serena, returning Karissa’s gaze, bashfully fidgeted with the fluffy plush. "Karissa, I love you to bits, bestie," she returned.

They looked at each other with sincerity. No further words felt necessary. Their eyes spoke for them.

"I feel the same way!" revealed Serena with a delighted grin, feeling as if she were enveloped in unconditional love.

Karissa looked humorous, her emotions shimmering to the surface like flickers on the lake’s surface.

Serena grabbed Karissa’s hand, gently pulling her along. Then Serena brought her towards the log cabin in the distance. A soft smile graced Karissa’s face. Beautiful days like that called for one thing: a nice, delicious mug of hot chocolate to share with her bestie.

Serena blinked away sleep, the pleased smile never having left her face from the dream realm. She signed, content and at peace. She stretched and snuggled her pillow, peeking at the clock. 2:02, huh? Still pretty early, but that was a blissful dream.

Another delighted sigh escaped her lips. The dream was a bit strange, but it was still wonderful. The purple puppy was adorable, and she had gotten to see Karissa! She couldn’t have asked for more. Serena hoped Karissa was enjoying her dreams right now.

Serena was extremely pleased with herself. She knew her newest sugary creation would lead to sweet dreams! Karissa had seemed skeptical when Serena had revealed it to her, murmuring some doubtful remark that questioned its status as an actual food. Karissa’s remarks hadn’t troubled Serena any; Serena knew it was because she didn’t know better—she hadn’t tried it yet, so of course she didn’t know. Serena had beamed, assuring her that it was a sanctified dessert of the Heavens. Karissa seemed unconvinced but tried the dessert anyway, much to Serena’s delight. It was a masterpiece if Serena did say so herself: ice cream, brownies, and sopapilla lovingly and masterfully placed inside of two massive chocolate chip cookies—the perfect dessert sandwich! It was divine: the perfect celestial treat to guarantee sweet dreams to all whom consumed it. Serena had outdone herself this time, grinning with pride.

Sighing dreamily in remembrance of her newest dessert, Serena snuggled into her blankets. She then drifted peacefully back to sleep.