It was all a dream!

"So, everything that happened was just a dream?" she mused, tucking her messy blonde hair behind her ears.

It was early on a Saturday morning, and despite the need to rise and shine for the day's job, she couldn't help but reflect on the strange dreams she had. "Such strange dreams. So, the CEO never sponsored my job, and I never attended any gatherings," she yawned, heading towards the shower. "Well, dreams are dreams. Who would ever think the greatest CEO would do something like that?"

The lukewarm water cascaded over her head, causing a stinging sensation on her tired body. "Tiredness will be the word of the day after it ends, so I might as well enjoy this refreshing morning," she thought to herself.

Donning a floral gown and light makeup, she grabbed her bag and headed out. The streets were crowded and noisy, prompting her decision to walk rather than endure the chaos. The bakery was just a mile away, and strolling was not only a way to clear her head from the dream but also a chance to go through some morning exercises.

"I can't tell anyone about my dream. They would laugh loudly and long, because of course, it makes no sense at all," she mumbled, clutching her bag tightly. As Lydia approached the bakery, she spotted Jace standing outside.

"Jace!" she called out, her voice loud enough to startle the poor boy, who flinched in fear. Thoughts raced through his mind, wondering who could be calling him in such a manner.

"Jace!" as she got closer, he relaxed, realizing it was his co-worker.

"Why did you call me like that, Lydia?" he asked, carrying a sack of flour and heading into the bakery.

"Oh, I'm sorry for startling you," she apologized, offering to help him lift the bag. However, he declined, confident in his ability to carry the sack without assistance.

"No problem, and good morning!" he replied cheerfully.

"Good morning," she responded, about to share the dream she had but hesitating, unsure of how he would react. She didn't want to be embarrassed again, just like in the dream.

"So, where's Janice?" Lydia quickly changed the topic, attempting to divert attention from her thoughts about the dream.

"She went out to get some things from the supermarket," Jace replied.

"Why does our conversation sound so boring?" she questioned, slipping on an apron that had already been set aside, and heading toward the kitchen.

"Well... I don't have anything interesting to say," Jace replied, dropping the sack of flour. He had initially thought of saying something more but decided it could wait.

Once the shop opened, work commenced with a swarm of customers entering. Jace efficiently manned the cashier's station, seemingly unaffected by the increase in customers. Meanwhile, Lydia and Janice worked tirelessly to refill the baked snacks, serve customers, and occasionally deliver fresh treats.

They continuously pleaded with the manager to hire more staff, but he always seemed to brush off their requests or conveniently forget. On the bright side, he did compensate them well for all the stress they endured.

"After work today, I'm going to see my grandma," Janice informed Lydia as she mopped the floor, once the shop was devoid of customers.

"But I thought she was dead," Jace interjected with a misguided statement.

"That was my grandpa!" Janice snapped, her eyes ablaze with anger.

"Oh, sorry. People do make mistakes," Jace quickly retreated to his previous location.

"Okay, I've heard about your grandma, but please ignore Jace and calm down," Lydia encouraged. She was always the peacekeeper, striving to maintain harmony among those around her. "So, how's your uncle doing?"

"He's fine, at least getting better," Janice replied.

"That man is still alive?" Jace couldn't help himself, resurfacing to provoke trouble. This time, he would surely regret his actions. Without a second thought, Janice grabbed the wet mop and slammed it onto his face.

Finally, the day was drawing to a close, and the shop began to close its doors. Lydia needed to confide in someone about the dream, so she chose Janice.

Lydia cleared her throat awkwardly, catching Janice's attention with a strange look.

"Yeah...?" Janice replied, curious to know what was bothering her friend.

"I had this dream, but it's too embarrassing to share. However, I've decided to tell you because there are some good reasons," Lydia explained, her tone hinting at the sheer weirdness of the dream.

"You know I'm always here for you, Lydia." Janice reassured her, placing her hands gently on Lydia's shoulders and offering a slight smile. "You can tell me anything."

"Okay, but you have to promise not to laugh!" Lydia emphasized, making sure Janice understood the seriousness.

"I promise," Janice nodded.

Lydia took a deep breath and began recounting the dream. But within seconds, Janice could no longer contain the laughter bubbling up inside her.

Lydia's eyes twitched with irritation as she stared at Janice, shouting, "You promised!"

"I'm sorry... but it was just so funny!" Janice gasped between bursts of laughter, unable to control herself. The laughter echoed through the streets, shaking the surroundings.

"Janice!" Lydia exclaimed, feeling betrayed by her friend's breaking of the promise.

********

Returning home was uneventful, and Lydia knew it. She strolled lazily yet confidently through the colorful streets, observing shops closing one after another while others illuminated the night with their lights.

As she reached her apartment, a peculiar sensation washed over her. The door was slightly ajar, and the scent that greeted her was not her own.

It was a subtle yet luxurious fragrance.

Switching on the lights, Lydia scanned the room. Nothing seemed out of place; everything was exactly as she had left it. Moving into the kitchen, the fragrance grew stronger. However, her eyes widened in astonishment when she saw a captivating bouquet of roses adorning the table. Nestled nearby was a small note and the largest pink teddy bear she had ever seen.

While Lydia had a fondness for oversized toys, receiving such a gift from a stranger who had somehow breached the sanctity of her home was disconcerting. They had intruded into her personal space just to drop off this present, along with the enigmatic note that she hesitated to read.