Zach

"Let's go to the forest? Barbecue, nature," one of your friends suggested when you all met up one evening.

You were in the same class at university, and your camaraderie had been built since day one. You often spent time together: walks, get-togethers, and club dates. Everyone responded positively to the idea of ​​going to the forest, including you. But then you remembered your problem. You've been plagued by nightmares since you were ten. Each time a new nightmare, each night you wake up in tears, filled with anxiety. You didn't tell anyone about it, afraid they'd laugh at you. Even the people you trusted most. Everyone agreed to go to the forest, even Zach. You never developed the warm relationship with him you had with your other friends. You never even stood next to each other, exchanging disdainful glances. You decided to go to the forest in a camper van. When it came time to assign beds, you shared a bed with Zach. You spent the day barbecuing, swimming in the river, and walking through the forest. That night, when everyone was already asleep, you stared out the window, afraid to fall asleep. You didn't want any of your friends to see you wake up from a nightmare. But sleep took over, and you drifted off. Late in the night, you woke up crying, shaking with fear—yet another nightmare. With trembling hands, you wiped away the tears and felt a hand on your waist. Zach moved closer, wrapping his arm around your waist.

• It's a dream. I'm here, sleep.