Nightmares

Shaan was a bright teen lad with a penchant for adventure, but tonight, adventure took a different turn. As the moon rose high and the world around him settled into slumber, Shaan embarked on a journey that would leave him startled and seeking answers.

The night was calm, but Shaan's dreams were anything but. Suddenly, he awoke with a start, his heart racing and beads of sweat adorning his forehead. He let out a scream that echoed through the stillness of his room. His mother, Sherin, who slept in the next room, bolted up in alarm. In an instant, she was by his side, concern etched on her face.

"Shaan, what happened?" Sherin had a soft, calming voice as she gently shook her son.

Between gasps, Shaan recounted the nightmare that had sent him into a frenzy. He spoke of shadows, eerie whispers, and a feeling of being trapped in darkness. Sherin listened patiently, her hand resting on his shoulder, offering comfort with her presence.

His breath finally steadying, Shaan turned his wide eyes to his mother. "Why did I have such a terrifying dream, Mom?"

Sherin smiled, her eyes soft with understanding. "Dreams are like stories that our minds create while we sleep, Shaan. Sometimes they can be pleasant, and sometimes they can be a little frightening, just like the one you had. But remember, they are just stories."

"But Mom, why did I have such a horrible dream?" Shaan's brows furrowed.

Sherin thought for a moment, then asked, "Did you watch anything scary before bed?"

Shaan hesitated before admitting, "I watched a horror movie last night."

Sherin nodded knowingly. "Movies can sometimes influence the content of our dreams. Our minds try to make sense of what we've seen or experienced. That's why it's important to choose our entertainment wisely, especially before sleep."

Curiosity piqued, Shaan asked, "So, why do we dream at all?"

Sherin's eyes lit up as she leaned in to explain. "Shaan, dreams are a natural element of sleep. They're like a movie our brain plays for us as we rest. They can be influenced by our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Dreams might seem strange or scary sometimes, but they're just a way for our brains to process things."

Shaan's brows knitted. "But do dreams come true?"

Sherin smiled again, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "There are mainly 5 types of dreams. They can reflect our hopes, fears, and desires, but they're not predictions of the future. They're like a canvas where our imagination paints pictures, sometimes familiar and sometimes bizarre."

As the night sky outside began to fade into the dawn, Sherin continued, "Remember, Shaan, dreams are a natural part of sleep, and while some can be unsettling, they're just stories our minds tell us. And just like stories, we have the power to shape them and find meaning in them."

Shaan's fear began to ebb away, replaced by a sense of wonder. With his mother's words, he started to understand the science behind his dreams and the nature of sleep itself.

As the first rays of sunlight crept into the room, Sherin's voice remained a soothing presence. "Now, let's put those dreams aside, my dear. You're safe here, and with a little time, those unsettling dreams will fade away, replaced by more peaceful ones."

And so, as the world awakened to a new day, Shaan found solace in his mother's wisdom. As he closed his eyes once more, he embraced the promise of sweet dreams that awaited him, eager to explore the stories his mind would weave in the realm of slumber.