Part 32 : Keiko's Nightmare

**Part 32 : Keiko's Nightmare**

Keiko tossed and turned in her sleep, her brow creased with worry as she slipped into a nightmare that felt all too real. The familiar surroundings of her bedroom morphed into a cold, sterile environment—an empty classroom where shadows loomed larger than life.

In the dream, she sat alone at a desk, her heart racing. The room was silent, but the oppressive atmosphere felt alive, filled with the weight of expectations. She glanced at the clock; time seemed to move sluggishly, each tick echoing her anxiety.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and her classmates filed in, their faces obscured by darkness. They took their seats, but their eyes were fixed on her, judgmental and cold. Whispers filled the air, sharp and piercing.

“Look at her,” one voice sneered. “She’s always so quiet. It’s like she doesn’t even belong here.”

“Too shy to speak up, huh? What a waste of space.”

Keiko shrank in her seat, her heart pounding in her chest. She wanted to speak, to defend herself, but the words never came. Instead, she felt herself retreating further into her own mind, drowning in the weight of their scorn.

The scene shifted, and she was in a different place—her home. Her parents stood arguing in the living room, their voices raised, filled with frustration. Keiko watched from the shadows, feeling invisible, like a ghost haunting her own life.

“You’re too soft,” her father said, his tone harsh. “You need to toughen up, Keiko. This world doesn’t have room for weakness.”

Her mother nodded, her expression weary. “You need to stop being so timid. You’ll get left behind if you don’t fight for yourself.”

The words cut deep, echoing in her mind like a mantra. Keiko felt the tears welling up as she choked back a sob. Why couldn’t they see her? Why did they only focus on her shortcomings?

The dream darkened, and she found herself back in the classroom, the whispers intensifying until they became a cacophony. “Weak. Useless. Invisible.” Each word slammed into her, and she felt herself crumble under the pressure.

Suddenly, she jolted awake, tears streaming down her face, her heart racing. The nightmare faded, but the feelings of inadequacy clung to her like a heavy fog. She sat up, wiping her eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of the fear that had gripped her.

As she took a deep breath, memories of Kyoshi flooded her mind. His encouraging words, the way he had seen her—not just the timid girl but someone worth knowing. The way he had laughed with her, making her feel lighter, as if she could finally breathe.

With a small smile creeping onto her lips, she recalled the way he made her feel safe, the connection they shared. She blushed at the thought, the realization hitting her like a wave.

“Maybe… I’m starting to like Kyoshi,” she murmured to herself, her heart fluttering. It was more than just friendship; there was something deeper there.

Her cheeks burned as she sank back into her pillows, a giddy feeling spreading through her chest.

“Not just friends,” she whispered, the words barely audible. “I like him... maybe a little more than I should.”

Keiko hugged her knees to her chest, warmth enveloping her as she drifted back into a peaceful sleep, thoughts of Kyoshi dancing in her mind. The nightmare had faded, replaced by the light of a budding affection that promised a brighter tomorrow.

Chapter end