In the dream, I found myself in a vast, empty field under a stormy sky. A sense of foreboding enveloped me as I wandered aimlessly, glancing around for something familiar. Suddenly, I stumbled upon a large, ornate chest half-buried in the ground. My heart raced with excitement at the thought of treasure. I opened it eagerly, only to find it filled with crumpled bills and coins, all of which seemed to fade away like mist as I reached for them.

As I stood there, disoriented, I felt a chilling breeze sweep through the field, and with it came a haunting realization: I was losing everything I had worked so hard for. Panic surged through me as I clutched my wallet, only to find it empty. I desperately searched my pockets, but they were void of any currency or belongings. The fear of financial ruin consumed me as I envisioned my life unraveling.

I began to run, but the ground shifted beneath my feet, transforming into a dark abyss. I fell, tumbling into a void where shadows whispered of debts and responsibilities. Each shadow seemed to take the shape of my past financial decisions, reminding me of the investments I had made and the risks I had taken. Their voices echoed in my mind, taunting me with thoughts of missed opportunities and reckless spending.

In this nightmare, I was confronted by people from my life—friends, family, and former colleagues—who looked at me with disappointment. Their faces twisted with disbelief as they learned of my downfall. I could hear their murmurs, filled with pity and judgment, as they discussed my failures. The weight of their gazes pressed down on me, intensifying my sense of shame and despair.

Just when I thought I was trapped in this cycle of dread, a figure appeared in the distance—a wise old man with a gentle smile. He extended his hand, inviting me to follow him. Despite my fear, I found myself compelled to trust him. As I took his hand, the shadows began to dissipate, and the dark void transformed into a serene garden filled with vibrant flowers and sunlight.

As I awoke from the nightmare, my heart raced.

As I awoke. It wasn’t a nightmare. It was reality. I was on a street I’ve never been on before. Homeless. No food. No water. No shelter.

I blinked my eyes and stared at the ceiling. Was it a dream? A nightmare?

Am I still dreaming?