Byler "Painted Dreams"

Will Byers was an art student and rarely talked about where he got the ideas for his paintings. One in particular. For months, he dreamed of the same man: dark curls, a scattering of freckles, an attentive gaze, and a smile that somehow brought him peace. Will didn't know his name and was certain he'd never met him in real life. The dream recurred only a few times, and, trying to rid himself of the haunting image, he painted two paintings. He kept one in his studio, and sent the other to a student exhibition, calling it "Stranger. "

A few days later, a photograph of this painting spread across social networks.

Mike Wheeler, a journalism student, received a message from his girlfriend.

— “Is this you by any chance?”

A photograph was attached to the message. Mike frowned. It was indeed him on the canvas. Not just a lookalike—every facial feature matched so precisely, it was as if the artist had painted from life.

“Where is the exhibition?” was the only thing he answered.

Two days later, Mike was standing in a small gallery, looking at his own portrait. Beneath the painting hung the caption: "Will Byers. "

“Do you like it?” someone nearby asked quietly.

Mike turned around. Standing before him was a short guy in a paint-stained shirt, looking confused, as if he himself hadn't expected to see any customers here.

"Did you paint this?" Mike nodded towards the canvas.

“Yes...” Will looked up... and froze.

That very one.

Not similar. Not almost the same.

The same guy he saw in his dream.

For several long seconds, both were simply silent.

"Have we met before?" Mike asked cautiously.

Will shook his head slowly, not taking his eyes off him.

• No... But it seems I've known your face much longer than I should.