Author's Note
The character in this story simply had a rough day and was contemplating life before heading to sleep. That's all there is to the backstory.
Enjoy!
Dedicated to all those who have dreams yet to be fulfilled.
The Stars in Our Dreams
A meadow manifested underneath my hooves as I looked around. The meadow appeared to be endless, or perhaps looping, and a beautiful night sky lit up with stars watched over me as I began to move around. A lone tree stood in the center, or at least what could be considered a center, of the meadow. The stars in the sky were so bright, they lit up the ground and my body on their own, assisted by the twilight that loomed over the horizon. This place gave off a feeling of sanctuary and comfort, while also giving off a sense of mystical adventure. A relaxed smile grew onto my face as I familiarized myself with my surroundings.
I began to walk toward the inviting tree, its shade looking like the perfect place to rest and relax. As I approached, a white light manifested next to the tree. It was just as bright as the stars that dotted the sky. Under most circumstances, I'd have backed away from it and forget about it; however, this light seemed... comforting. I approached it, and it began speaking.
"You've had a long day, haven't you?" the light said.
"You could say that," I replied.
"Do you think you're living your life to its fullest?" it asked.
"I guess so. I love my job, but some of my coworkers..." I began.
"If you are dreaming, surely you know there is more to life," it replied. I was silent, awestruck. "A pony that dreams has aspirations that have yet to be fulfilled. Dreams have endless possibilities, just as life does,"
I remained completely dumbfounded. Here I was, in a peaceful meadow in the midst of a dream, and a light, a collection of energy, knew me better than I knew myself.
"Well... My dream as a teenage pony was to be a singer," I replied.
"Do you think it is too late to try and remake that dream?"
"Considering I have a career now, I guess so."
"Then my statement that life has an endless amount of possibilities has no weight, does it?"
"Well..." I began, but no words followed.
"You live in a world wherein caring about others a lot can make one shoot lasers out of one's eyes or horn. If the possibilities aren't endless there, I do not know what to tell you," it joked.
"Hehe, well, I guess Equestria is pretty out there," I laughed.
"So surely, quite surely, you still have time to realize your calling. Sing for me," it asked. I had never brought up my ability to sing, but at this point, I wasn't surprised it asked that.
I belted out my favorite song. It was a nice, slow hard rock piece. My voice was almost on par with the original singer's.
"You are talented," the light replied.
"Hehe, well, my marefriend seems to think so," I laughed again.
"And you did not think to continue trying to put your plans for any sort of musical group into fruition?"
"I tried, many times. Everyone I talked to at college said that they had other life goals, or didn't like the work-slash-effort, or were just unreliable. One guy wanted to stop drumming in the middle of a song for a cider break, I remember," I replied. I chuckled a touch at the memory, although to be fair, it was pretty infuriating of that guy to just tap out like that. "I guess it wasn't in my stars after all."
"If your dreams weren't, as you say, 'in your stars,' would you be having this dream right now?" the light asked. Again, I was at a loss for words.
"Well... I tried."
"Mistakes are proof that you are trying. Was Canterlot built in a day's time?"
"No, probably not."
"Then why not try again? You do have unfulfilled dreams, do you not?"
"I would, but the result will be same: an unstructured, uncoordinated band, a shattered dream! I can't do this!" I yelled.
Then I ran.
My eyes shut in frustration and self-loathing as tears streamed down my cheeks. I don't quite know how long I galloped to... wherever, but it was at least a good two minutes before I collapsed out of exhaustion, mentally and physically, and just started crying.
I longed to make ponies happy, to see their smiling faces, especially on a rough day. I yearned to reach self-actualization and the very best I could be. I wanted all that, but I knew I couldn't have it.
A solid minute passed before I opened my bloodshot eyes and looked up. I was stunned. There, in front of me, was the same tree in the same meadow... And next to it, the same strange light. I froze, unable to do or think.
"Please stand up," the light commanded gently. I couldn't help but obey. "I know why you cry. Do you still want all that?"
I nodded sporadically, nose still runny from my fit.
"Look up," the light said. As I did, a beautiful shooting star whisked its way across the starlit sky. I completely forgot why I was crying.
"What did you wish for?" the light asked.
"I... I don't know," I replied.
"Allow me to tell you what my wish was: I wished that you would never stop dreaming."
I woke up.
I sat up in my bed, unable to comprehend the experience I had just witnessed. I had no idea what to think. Yet, for some reason, I felt... relieved. Renewed, like a battery that just got supercharged. I smiled upon seeing the sun rise off in the distance. I new today was a new day.
With a new day, it brought a new me.
I had a spring in my step going into work today. I was determined now more than ever. It was gonna happen; I would become that singer, I would realize that dream. I have no idea when it will happen, but it will.
One day soon, my dreams shall finally become reality.
