Happy dream

**A Dream Reimagined**

In the aftermath of the devastating battle, a serene, ethereal light enveloped Alexander, gently pulling him away from the chaos and destruction he had just experienced. As the darkness faded, he found himself standing in a familiar kitchen, the comforting aroma of breakfast wafting through the air.

His mother, smiling and radiant, stirred a pot on the stove. "Good morning, sweetheart! Come help me set the table," she called, her voice warm and inviting.

Alexander felt a rush of happiness wash over him, memories flooding back—moments from a simpler time, long before the violence and strife that had consumed his life. He watched as his father sat at the table, engrossed in a book, the corners of his mouth turned up in a subtle smile.

"Did you finish your homework?" his father asked, glancing up from his book.

"I will, Dad!" Alexander replied, the childlike enthusiasm bubbling within him.

**The Innocence of Childhood**

Outside, he heard the laughter of children playing tag. His little brother, full of energy and joy, ran past the window, calling out for Alexander to join them. "Come on, Alex! It's time to play!"

A rush of nostalgia filled Alexander's heart. He glanced at his reflection in the kitchen window. His face was that of a child, innocent and carefree. The weight of his past, the battles fought, the losses endured—none of it mattered in this moment.

"It was all just a horrible nightmare," he whispered to himself, belief solidifying with each passing second. "I'm home now."

With a lightness in his heart, he rushed to the door, flinging it open to embrace the outside world.

**Reentering Reality**

Sunlight bathed him in warmth as he stepped outside, the vibrant colors of childhood bursting into life around him. He could hear the joyous shouts of children, the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze, and the distant sound of laughter.

As he ran towards his brother and the other kids, every step filled with exhilaration, he felt free—unburdened by the pain of the past. He joined them, laughter spilling from his lips as he chased after his brother, his heart light and full of joy.

"Tag! You're it!" he shouted, lunging forward to touch his brother and darting away, feeling the thrill of the game surge through him.

**A New Reality**

They played until the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the neighborhood. As the day came to a close, Alexander felt a deep sense of contentment. Everything was as it should be; he was surrounded by family, love, and the innocence of youth.

In this world, there were no battles, no chaos—only the promise of tomorrow and the laughter of friends. Alexander believed he had finally found his way back to happiness, a place where the darkness could never reach him.

Yet, in the depths of his subconscious, a faint whisper lingered—a reminder that even in dreams, reality has a way of creeping back in, waiting for the moment when it can no longer be denied. But for now, Alexander embraced the peace of his newfound existence, relishing every moment of this beautiful illusion.

**A New Routine**

Years had passed in what felt like the blink of an eye, and Alexander found himself on the brink of adolescence. The peaceful illusion of his childhood had transformed into the vibrant reality of high school life, filled with new friendships, challenges, and the excitement of growing up.

This morning, however, the comfort of routine was shattered by the shrill sound of his alarm clock. Alexander jolted awake, his heart racing as he glanced at the clock on his nightstand. **7:30 AM.** Panic set in—he was late for school.

"Crap!" he muttered, throwing the covers off and springing out of bed.

**Morning Chaos**

He dashed into the bathroom, barely glancing at his reflection as he grabbed a hairbrush and ran it through his tousled hair. His toothbrush was a blur in his hand as he quickly brushed his teeth, the minty flavor barely registering in his rush.

"Just a minute, Mom!" he called out, his voice muffled as he spat into the sink. He pulled on his school uniform—smart, crisp, and freshly ironed, just the way his mother liked it. The fabric felt good against his skin, a reminder of the normalcy of his life.

"Alexander! Don't run in the house!" his mother's voice echoed from the kitchen, filled with the warmth and familiarity that had always surrounded him.

**Family Love**

He grinned sheepishly, taking a moment to slow down as he dashed down the hall. "Sorry, Mom!" he replied, trying to rein in his excitement. The scent of breakfast wafted through the air, reminding him that he wasn't just late for school; he was missing out on his mother's delicious cooking.

In the kitchen, his mother stood over the stove, preparing pancakes. The sight filled him with warmth. "I made your favorite," she said, glancing back with a smile. "But you have to eat quickly if you want to make it on time."

"Thanks, Mom!" he said, grabbing a plate and piling on a few pancakes, slathering them in syrup before taking a seat at the table. He quickly took a few bites, savoring the taste of home, even as his thoughts raced ahead to the day's classes and the friends he would see.

**The Thrill of High School**

As he finished his breakfast, Alexander felt a familiar thrill wash over him. High school was filled with opportunities—new friends, exciting classes, and the social dynamics of teenage life. He was eager to see what the day would bring, what challenges and adventures lay ahead.

With his plate cleared and his backpack slung over one shoulder, he sprinted out the door, calling back, "I'll see you later, Mom!"

"Have a great day! And be careful!" she called after him, her voice laced with the concern of any loving parent.

**A Journey Begins**

As he stepped outside, the cool morning air hit his face, invigorating him. The neighborhood was alive with activity, kids biking, parents rushing off to work, and the distant sound of laughter filling the air. Alexander felt a rush of excitement as he jogged down the street toward the bus stop.

The thought of school made him feel alive—he was ready to face the day, ready to embrace whatever came his way. Little did he know, though, that beneath the surface of his seemingly perfect life, the shadows of his past still lingered, waiting for the right moment to resurface.

**In the Classroom**

As Alexander settled into his seat, the chatter among his friends filled the classroom with a lively energy. Laughter and friendly banter echoed around him as they discussed their favorite video games and the latest school gossip. It was a typical day, one that felt normal and comforting in its routine.

"Did you see the new game that just came out? It looks epic!" one of his friends exclaimed, animatedly gesturing with his hands.

"Yeah, but I heard it has some major bugs," another friend replied, rolling his eyes. "I'm waiting for the patch."

Their conversation was lively, filled with the optimism and excitement of youth, until the classroom door swung open.

**The Teacher Enters**

"Alright, class, settle down!" the teacher called out as he strode into the room, a stack of textbooks tucked under one arm. His expression was serious, a reminder that playtime was over.

"Today, we're diving into Chapter 1: The Battlefield of Kinshasa during the Second Eternal War," he announced, placing the textbooks on the desk. "Please take out your books and turn to the chapter."

**The Battlefield of Kinshasa**

As Alexander pulled out his textbook, he felt a familiar surge of interest. The Second Eternal War had always intrigued him, with its tales of bravery, conflict, and the struggle for power. Kinshasa, in particular, had been a pivotal location, known for its chaotic battles and the pivotal events that had shaped the course of history.

"Kinshasa was the epicenter of conflict," the teacher continued, his voice steady as he began outlining the chapter. "It was a city torn apart by war, where alliances were forged and broken, and countless lives were lost in the struggle for dominance."

**An Unexpected Connection**

Alexander couldn't help but feel a strange connection to the topic. Images of battlefields and warriors flashed through his mind, remnants of memories that seemed distant yet vivid. It was as if he could almost hear the clashing of swords, the roar of battle, and the cries of the fallen. He shook his head, trying to dispel the thought.

"Pay attention, Alexander," the teacher said, noticing his distraction. "This is an important part of our history."

"Right, sorry," Alexander replied, focusing back on the lesson.

The teacher continued, discussing the strategies employed by both sides and the impact of the war on the civilians of Kinshasa. Alexander listened intently, captivated by the stories of courage and sacrifice.

**A Different Perspective**

As the class delved deeper into the details, the conversation shifted to the moral dilemmas faced during the war. Questions about loyalty, sacrifice, and the costs of victory filled the air.

"What would you do if you were in that situation?" one of his friends asked, leaning back in his chair, deep in thought.

Alexander pondered the question, feeling the weight of it. "I think I would try to protect the innocent," he replied thoughtfully. "But it's never that simple, is it? Sometimes you have to make tough choices."

"True," another friend agreed. "But sometimes, you might have to fight even if you don't want to. It's about standing up for what's right."

As they continued discussing the topic, Alexander felt the familiar pull of his past battling with his present. The experiences he had forgotten—or thought he had—began to surface, mingling with the realities of teenage life. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this lesson than just history; it felt personal, as if it was preparing him for something he didn't yet understand.

With a deep breath, he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the conversation and the camaraderie of his friends. Today, he was just a high school student, navigating the ups and downs of teenage life. But in the back of his mind, the echoes of the battlefield still lingered, waiting for the right moment to remind him of who he truly was.