Week 11, Theme 3

Prompt: In one sentence, describe an important life-decision facing a character. Then write a dream for that character that explores the complexity of the decision (i.e. avoid a merely schematic treatment of the problem and pay attention to ambivalence and competing pressures). You can invent a character or take a character from a book or a movie. If you like, frame the dream narrative by describing the character falling asleep or waking up: some setting that perhaps makes an appearance in direct or displaced form in the dream.

Was living with Evangeline for a summer worth one thousand dollars in savings?

Greta slipped off her nightgown and climbed into bed. The cool air trapped under the sheet blew out over her face. She needed to sign the sublease agreement tomorrow; Evie was either going to be in, or she was going to be out. Better to sleep on it. Greta closed her eyes and fell asleep.

~~~~

The summer afternoon heat drifted through the slats in the window. A bamboo fan levitating above Greta’s head cooled her as she navigated to the Bank of America website on a computer that appeared just as she decided to check her balance. Ah yes, there it was. That extra $1000 was there (minus the $350 that she had dropped for those cute yellow pump shoes, of course). One grand. It was the protective blubber lining her fat little baby seal of a checking account. Financial security gave Greta a swagger, a glow – as she thought about checking her complexion, a mirror appeared in her hand. Acne scars evaporated as she lifted the mirror to her face. The money really did make her glow.

THUMP

Greta started. What was that?

CLANK

The light drained out of Greta’s room. She glanced around in horror. Satin slippers appeared on her feet; she padded silently across the room and cracked the door to peer into the kitchen.

Evie.

A dark, brooding figure wearing black robes stood in the corner by the food processor, breathing in and out slowly. Oily black hair spilled out from her cape. The figure turned to Greta. It said Hi Greta do you want to make some unhealthy, oily food for dinner and then have to clean it up yourself since I am messy?

Greta screamed.

~~~

Back in her own bed, Greta awoke with a start. Morning. Putting on the satin slippers laying at the foot of her bed, she padded over to her desk and opened her computer. She began an email.

“Dear Mr. Holt: Thank you for waiting. Yes, I will sublease your apartment. I will make use of both bedrooms. I will be the sole sublettor and will pay the full price, including the extra $1000. Regards, Greta.”