Dream Journey

The racetrack was almost empty. The sun had set, and the stadium lights dimly illuminated the track. The air was cool, with that special silence after a day of racing. Dream Journey sat on the trackside rail, swinging her legs as she gazed at the field. "I knew I'd find you here ," she said without turning around, in that calm voice she always had.

You approached and leaned against her. From there you could see the entire empty dance floor as if it were just for the two of you. "How did you know I was coming?" you asked.

She barely smiled. "Because you always come after my important training sessions ." There was a moment of comfortable silence. Dream Journey stepped off the railing and walked a few steps onto the track, looking at the footprints left by the day's runners. "When I run, " she said, " there's a moment when everything disappears—the noise, the people, the pressure."

"And what's left?" you asked. She glanced over her shoulder . "The finish line... and to think you're watching. " The answer took you by surprise. Dream Journey walked toward you, stopping very close. Her expression was calm, but there was something slightly shy in her eyes. "It's strange," she continued . "I've run many races... but when you're here, I feel like I can do even better. " The wind gently stirred her hair as they both fell silent again. "Next race, " she said finally, " I want you in the front row ." Then she added with a small smile, "Because when I see you there... I feel like I've already won before we even start."