D.R.E.A.M.

      Welcome to DREAM Corporation. We are dreams readers, enjoyers and meaners. We will help you read your dream. Thanks to our virtual reality, you will be able to get into your dream and experience it. In any… The one that lasts now, or maybe the one that happened not so long ago. We will help you get rid of your nightmares. If you have problems sleeping or want to learn how to manage your dreams, come to us. We are the DREAM. We will help you create your own paradise!

***

      Three boys and two girls were enthusiastically watching advertisements on an old TV. After watching, the girl with pale white skin and almost gray shoulder-length hair turned to her friends, awaiting the verdict. — So what do you think? — And you wrote this bastard’s shit for a whole month?! — the dark-haired guy with big brown eyes said indignantly. — Actually, Nile, she wrote this for three weeks, — clarified the girl with long green hair and yellow lips. — Shut up, Rushh! — Nile shouted at her and added mockingly, — I bet that most of the population does not know what somnology is? Hey Shuri, I’m really interested in your opinion. — Well… Um… The advertisement looks nice. It turns out that Myrta’s efforts were not in vain, — answered a stocky, dark guy, shaved bald. Rushh sighed resignedly. Nile laughed very loudly and then turned back to Shuri. — She was not responsible for the picture. Her work is just a text from which you don’t understand a damn thing!       – Calm down Nile, respect your sister’s work. And… Honey, what is somnology? Rushh slapped her hand to her forehead and shook her head from side to side. Nile laughed again and fell to the floor. The guy, who had been silent all this time, without looking up from reading a book, gave him his hand and lifted him up. Mirta pursed her lips irritably and nevertheless said in a calm voice: — Somnology is the science of sleep. — Why does sleep need science? — Shuri asked with confusion, looking at Rushh and Nile. — It wouldn’t hurt for you to do more than just sports at school… –Rush began to say, but Nile interrupted her. — Otherwise, next time you’ll bet me something more serious than your hairstyle. — You know, I would have hit you a long time ago, but, unfortunately, you are younger than me and, moreover, the brother of my girlfriend. — I’m interested in Dean’s opinion! — Myrta interrupted this skirmish, — You were watching, weren’t you? Remember?       A guy with curly hair who looked like a dandelion looked up from his book in fear. Clearing his throat, he adjusted his glasses and shyly began to pronounce his verdict, making an effort to use each word: — Well… Yes, I saw it and… I’m not a fan of all sorts of… Majestic mottos. “Paradise”. “We can do everything”. It’s like… Playing God. And Nile is partially right. All these fancy words in the title… Yes, compared to the old one… SOC? The one where different letters were always assigned… DREAM is… Magnificent. But it could have been done simpler. And why… Why didn’t you star in this commercial? You work there. Yes? — I really did remember. Yes! — Nile made a victorious gesture, sharply bending his left arm at the elbow, and then continued, — Well, speaking seriously, it’s all because in these white rags, with her appearance, she will look like a ghost, — he laughed and began to pretend to scream like in horror films. — Shut up, — Dean said without raising his voice, and Nile obediently calmed down, pretending seriously that he was really interested in his sister’s answer. — I… Yes, we had a casting for workers, but I thought that I wouldn’t pass, — Myrta answered, embarrassed. — That is, you somehow ended up among the authors of the text, but you couldn’t… You couldn’t come and say “I wrote, I will speak.” Something has been wrong with you lately. — Hey, Dean is right, — Rushh supported him and, making an unpleasant sound with her mouth, ran out of the room, shouting, — Sorry! Everyone turned towards her path. You could hear the toilet door slamming. There was an awkward silence. Nile turned up the volume on the TV so he couldn’t hear the gagging sounds. Shuri looked seriously at Myrta and pointed at the stairs leading to the second floor. They went there. As she left, Myrta said:       – We’ll be back soon. Nile turned to Dean and wiggled his eyebrows as if flirting. He crept up to the stairs and, hearing the door slam, ran back, lying on the floor right in front of Dean, who covered himself with the book again. — Well, what was that? Why don’t you tell her? — Nile said, taking the book from Dean. — You know I fucking can’t! She… — Dean switched to a whisper, — She’s older than us by… By two years. And it’s already working. I’m small for her, and she hangs out with me only because I’m your friend and classmate. — Yes? Why is she dating Shuri then? He’s a year younger than her, — Dean wanted to object, but Nile raised his index finger and said, — I know that two is not one. I’m the smart one among us, not you. And believe me, the fact that you like each other is noticeable to the naked eye. Why do you think they went upstairs? — What? No! You just don’t want Shuri in your home. And somehow I didn’t fucking notice that she liked me. — Come on! You don’t notice a lot of things in your life! No offense. When you confess to her, it will be… — Nile began to imitate Myrta and Dean, making a squeaky voice, — Oh, Myrta, you are so beautiful as an actress. Oh Deanny, my boyfriend never said that to me. You understand me so well. I want to drown in your green eyes, be my husband. Yes, Myrta, of course, whatever you say. Nile started pretending to kiss, hugging himself, and rolling around on the floor. Dean took his book and threw it at him. Nile stopped this performance, standing up with the book.       – Ok, I’m sorry. So, I went to empty Rushh’s refrigerator, since she obviously won’t need it after her date with the toilet. And I take the book with me. Hmm… “Codes and ciphers”? Dee, why do you need this with your problematic memory? I’m surprised that you were able to remember Morse code… And advertising, — Nile left without waiting for an answer. Dean sat on a chair in the living room of the Rushh house and began to carefully examine everything in the room, from the entrances and exits to the smallest details. He visited this house quite often, but, due to his problems with memory and concentration, each time was more exciting than the previous one. Dean was most able to remember objects that were constantly in the same place, and his attention was most quickly concentrated on the inscriptions. Now he stood opposite the wall on which hung a diploma “Completing courses in the specialty of colorist.” Dean tried hard to remember what the word meant. But all he could remember was that it had something to do with color.       Suddenly there was a noise from above. Dean flinched in surprise. Now the noise was coming from the direction of the stairs. Myrta quickly went down the stairs, trampling every step with all her might. There were tears on her cheeks. And as strange as it was, Dean noticed it. Myrta quickly headed into the next room. — Stop! Where are you going? — Dean followed her and ended up in the hallway. — Have a smoke. They’ll come for you soon. There’s your cloak, — her voice sounded monotonous, without any emotion. Myrta stopped for a second, pointed to the green coat and quickly walked out the door. Dean grabbed her coat without thinking and ran out into the street after her. There was a forest not far from Rushh’s house. That’s where Myrta was heading. — Stop! Myrta, what happened? Dean shouted at her back. — Dean, go inside! I’m fine, just want to take a little walk. Go, you and Nile will be heading home soon. — And what? I’ll make it home in time. I’ll go with you, — Dean, without stopping, step by step, followed Myrta. — I would like to be alone. Don’t worry, I’ll only be there for five minutes, — she said without stopping.       – Then I will stand and wait for you here. I can’t leave you in tears. — I don’t… — she stopped, sighed heavily and turned to Dean. — I don’t want anything to happen to you. And… How did you remember? — You know, I, of course, have problems with my head, but I’m not stupid. And secondly… Have you ever thought about how I communicate with you, Nile, Rushh and Shuri? How the fuck did you teach me Morse code? How do I remember that Jason Wayne is also, quote, a motherfucker, end of quote? Actually, I can fucking remember information that is important to me, not always, but I can! — Dean said, raising his voice a little and after these words he blushed embarrassedly, — But it looks like, damn, the first one was enough. — Thank you, Deanny, but I’m really worried about you. This is important information for me. Please go into the house. I’ll be right there, — Myrta said with a slight smile. Dean stood in a protest pose, crossing his arms over his chest, and looked at Myrta with a serious look. She came closer to Dean and, embarrassed, lowering her head down, said: — I’m really, really, really fucking worried about you. Deanny please… — You have five minutes. And take my coat. There is cold. You’re not the only one who’s fucking worried here, — Dean interrupted her and handed her his coat. — Thank you.       Myrta took the coat, hugged Dean and kissed him on the cheek. Dean, smiling, grabbed the place of the kiss. Myrta put on her coat and pointed towards the house with an inviting gesture. Dean obediently went to Rushh’s house. Myrta saw to it that he entered, and the door closed behind him. Convinced of this, she followed towards the forest. The house was a complete mess. Nile was standing on the couch yelling at Shuri for something. Shuri swung his hand at him, indicating that he could hit him at any moment. Rushh screamed at Nile to calm down. Dean, holding his cheek with his hand, came towards the noise. — You’ve already fucked me up! — Shuri yelled, swinging at Nile. — Enough! You fucked me too! — Rushh shouted, holding Shuri with all her strength, then she saw Dean and said, — Dean! Where the fuck have you been?! However… — Shuri began to struggle, and holding him with all her strength, she screamed, drawing out all the swear words, — Bitch! Why the fuck are you standing?! Do something fucking! — Quick, fuck, everyone shut up! — Dean shouted, and then, sighing heavily, he calmly said, — That would be right away. They staged a circus here, a fucking show. If you scream, you will end up faster. Everyone suddenly fell silent. To everyone’s surprise, Dean said this without the slightest hesitation. And I must add that he rarely shouted either. Not even intending to figure out what happened here, he sat down on the chair, smiling, continuing to hold his hand on his cheek.

***

      – Why am I here? I can’t help you with anything. I… I… I… Sorry, I’m nervous. — Yes, Mr. Semono, we know about your problem. Your mother told us. And she also insisted that you testify. Because, I quote… — “Socialization is the engine of progress and the right of every person.” Excuse me… Officer, right? I hear this every day, I am certainly able to remember this. — Okay, Mr. Semono. Since you are, unfortunately, the only suspect at the moment, we are forced to agree with her. — Fine. I… I need a piece of paper and a pet… That is, a pen. — Do you want to give written testimony? — I don’t want to miss anything. The officer left. Dean sat in the interrogation room, clutching his head as he tried to concentrate. A week has passed since Myrta disappeared. DREAM tried to speed up the investigation so as not to spoil its reputation. Dean was the last one to see her. And that scared him. What if he forgot something important? He didn’t know this, but he was sure that she was alive. Only these thoughts were spinning in his head. It was harder to concentrate than usual. Dean didn’t sleep at night. Unexpectedly for him, tears flowed from his eyes. Dean couldn’t control his emotions. Just as he couldn’t control the fact that the interrogation had already begun. Several sheets of paper and a pen were in Dean’s hands. A policeman sat opposite him.       “Myrta Nile I Rushh Shuri Very Shannon Key Kerkhoffs ¿ " — Dean wrote on the sheet and began to testify: — We were at Rushh’s house… — Rushh is Lorna-Rushhildr Dane? — Perhaps… I don’t remember her full name. — OK. Let’s say. Carry on, Mr. Semono. — We had fun… How exactly, I don’t remember well… I remember the music, — Dean crossed out the word “Shannon” and crossed out the word “key” and added, — We ate… We were celebrating something… — Mr. Semono, you don’t have to describe all the events, only what you think can help us.       Dean crossed out the word “Kerkhoffs” and looked at the officer. He got distracted. The thoughts in his head were jumbled. For a second he forgot where and why he was here. Dean looked around the interrogation room again, then lowered his eyes to the tear-soaked piece of paper with the words on it. As if he had woken up, he remembered where he had stopped, but the words in his head did not form into sentences. Without looking up at the officer, Dean said: — Give… Give me a minute. — Yes, Mr. Semono, we are in no hurry, — the policeman said, sighing heavily. — Do you suspect me? — This is evidence, Mr. Semono. We just want to get the big picture. Everything is fine, — the officer said feigningly calmly. Dean’s nerves were gone. Soothing phrases never helped him, but only made the situation worse. Panic filled Dean. He needed a good kick. He imagined Nile raising his index finger and shouting at him, “Enough!”. Nile always did this when Dean was confused. This method often helped. And this time was no exception. — It all started with the “DREAM” advertisement. It was made by Myrta… Myrta Vlan. She was waiting for our feedback. Her brother Nile didn’t like the ad. — Did it create a quarrel or somehow hurt her feelings? — I don’t think so… They were more jokes than insults or something like that. Then, Rushh left. — You don’t remember where? — Nile called it a “date with… a toilet.” Then something else happened… But I can’t answer what exactly. Me and Nile, we talked. Shuri and Myrta were in the other room. — Shuri O’Hara? — Yes. Nile came out for just a second. — You don’t remember where? — He… said, “empty the refrigerator.” I was in the TV room when Myrta ran towards the exit. I followed her. — Don’t you remember, she said something about why she needed to go out? And tell me why you followed her. — She was upset. — You don’t remember why? — She didn’t say. — Why did she need to go out? — She said: “smoke… take a walk… be alone.” — So what of this? — Together. When I followed her, she was heading into the forest. Myrta didn’t want me to follow her. She asked me to go into the house. — And you? — I agreed. — You didn’t go out anymore? — No… Stop! — Did you go out? — No. I gave her my green coat. And… Yes, I never came out again. — Don’t you remember she left with him? — She put it on. AND… — And what? — I was in the house, but I don’t remember what happened there. I only remember Nile screaming. — Okay, Mr. Semono. Did you know that through the forest you can go to the D.R.E.A.M. corporation? — What? No. — You don’t remember, apart from advertising, the corporation “D.R.E.A.M” Was it mentioned in any other way that day? — No… I… I don’t remember. — Thank you, Mr. Semono. You are free. If we need anything, we will let you know, – the policeman finished with a heavy sigh.

***

      Three months have passed since Myrta disappeared. Dean was in a very old, shabby building, in a completely gray room. He was not alone in this room. An emaciated Rushh with short-cropped hair sat on a chair and nervously rocked from side to side, repeating the word “No.” Dean remembered that as soon as Myrta went missing, Rushh cut her hair so much that she looked more like a boy. She stopped dyeing her hair and painted her face all the time; it clearly couldn’t be called makeup. For example, today she was decorated like a harlequin, it was the saddest harlequin in the world. Rushh also moved out of her house back to her parents, but it was difficult for her there too. That's why she often visited Dean's house with Nile. Mostly, the three of them just sat and were silent. Shuri was sitting next to Dean on the iron table. He sniffled constantly, but there were no tears, and straightened his clothes: a blue sports jacket, ripped jeans and even his sneakers, one white, the other black. A huge number of small braids were woven into his hair. After Myrta went missing, Dean didn't remember much about what happened to Shuri. In truth, this was all because Shuri tried not to go near Dean or talk to him. But something was not hidden from Dean's gaze. These were broken knuckles, perhaps they had recently bled. Nile lay on the cold concrete floor, clutching his head and crying, whispering, repeating the word “shut up” every second. Everyone knew that these words were not addressed to Rushh, so Nile tried to calm the bitter thoughts in his head. Of course, Nile lost himself the most. After his sister disappeared, he stopped adhering to his motto: “No tears or other negative emotions, only laughter.” Mostly, Nile spent the night either at Dean's house, where he constantly slept on the floor, or on the street, where he slept on the asphalt. Sometimes Dean felt like Nile wore the same clothes. Dean also noticed that Nile was addicted to smoking and beer. Dean didn’t remember why they were here, but he felt that this was very important, otherwise why were they waiting for something for so long and with such excitement. Suddenly, a passage to another room opened in the wall to the right of Dean. Before this, Dean had not noticed this metal door, or maybe he simply did not remember its existence. Myrta's and Nile's parents came out from the next room. As soon as Nile saw them, he jumped up and looked at them with more hope in his eyes than he had ever looked at. Suddenly Dean remembered why they were here. And this made him shake all over. He thought that if he stood up now, he would fall from powerlessness. Shuri probably saw this, or why then did he take Dean’s hand so softly. Silence reigned in the room. No one dared to say these terrible words. Rushh turned out to be the bravest.       – Well? – she asked. – Yes, – Mr. Vlan answered and said nothing more because his voice trembled. Rushh let out a loud, heart-rending scream full of pain and suffering. It sent shivers down Dean's spine. Nile looked at Shuri wildly. This made him jump up, leaving only one metal table between himself and his embittered friend. Nile screamed and picked up the table and threw it at the wall next to Rushh, but she didn't pay any attention to it, she was too overcome with grief. The metal table, which could easily support the massive Shuri, could not withstand being hit by the wall from the skinny Nile. Previously, Nile would have gladly joked about this and would have mocked Shuri for a few more days. This has happened before, maybe sometime in the future, but obviously not today. Today Mr. Vlan cried quietly without showing it. Unlike Mrs. Vlan, she was unshakable. – I hope she didn’t suffer, otherwise this world has not justified its existence and will burn in hell, – Nile said monotonously and shouted, – Let everything here burn to hell! No, down with politeness! Fuck you... I'll tear this world to hell! Nile ran out of the room. A heavy, dull knock was heard. Mr. Vlan followed him out. – There won’t be a funeral, it’s too hard for all of us. And Nile and I discussed this today and decided that it would be cremation, – Mrs. Vlan said calmly. – But... Don't you think that this is somehow... Wrong! How can we live now?! – Shuri was indignant. – I can give you the number of the psychologist we hired for Nile. –No, it’s... – Shuri began to answer, but Mr. Vlan interrupted him. - D-d-dear, either he himself... He crashed, or we brought him down. He is already conscious, but still on the floor. Mrs. Vlan sighed heavily and hurried out. But at the very exit Dean stopped her and asked: – Will she stay there? Have they done an autopsy yet? – No. She lies there just as she was found, – Mrs. Vlan answered and turned to Dean, observing any of his movements and emotions. – I want to see her, – Dean said. – I’m afraid, honey, this will be too heavy a load for you, – Mrs. Vlan answered too carefully, – And besides, you won’t be allowed in without an accompanying person. Dean didn't know what to say to that. The Vlan family clearly has no time to accompany him now. And his mother sits at home and watches something on TV, because Vlan brought Dean here too. But fortunately, Shuri knew the answer, and in truth, he was very angry with Mrs. Vlan. – What a luck! And I just turned eighteen a week ago! Can I really be an escort? – Shuri said playfully and still gently took Dean’s hand and said, – So, Dean, I’m with you. Ready? Dean nodded his head in agreement. Mrs. Vlan sighed heavily and left the room with her husband. If you think that she reacted too calmly to the death of her daughter, then don’t worry, she fell into incredible hysterics at home. Meanwhile, while we were discussing all this, Dean and Shuri, holding hands, entered the morgue. Seeing them, the doctor exclaimed: – What are you doing here?! Where are your escorts? – Should I show me my passport or driver’s license? – Shuri quipped and said, – We came to say goodbye to Myrta Vlan. The man silently, as if inviting, turned his head towards the medical table. There lay a girl with gray hair, wearing a green coat, blue jeans and a brown T-shirt. Dean's legs began to shake. Shuri grabbed him by the shoulders and calmly asked: – Are you sure you need this? It's not that I'm discouraging it, I'm just... – Yes. Shuri carried Dean to the girl's body. Her skin was too white, and her face and hands had a bluish tint. She looked like that Myrta from that terrible day, but with signs of death. Dean began to carefully examine the corpse, not like a doctor, but with his eyes, and not because he was a maniac. He couldn't quite believe her death. Perhaps the reason for this was his memory. That's why he wanted to see her to convince his brain not to get his hopes up. Shuri, upon seeing the body, immediately felt the need to talk to someone. – What a blue one. Drowned? – he asked. – It looks like it, but the autopsy will finally show everything, – answered the pathologist. – She definitely drowned, – said Shuri and, looking into the girl’s face, added, – I bet my car drowned in a liquid no more than fifteen centimeters deep. – Why are you so sure? - the doctor said with a hint of panic in his voice, - you are either a pathologist yourself, for which you are too young. Either you are the killer, because this girl was found next to a puddle eight centimeters deep! Dean looked at Shuri in fear. Dean did not want to believe either that Myrta was dead or that he was literally in the hands of a killer. Shuri carefully placed Dean on the table and said: – Or I’m the same person who, at the age of five, found his beloved granny drowned and remembered it for the rest of his life! – No way! What about fifteen centimeters?! Do you think I'm a complete idiot?! – the doctor shouted. – No, what are you talking about? You are not an idiot, I love idiots. You're a dumbass. Myrta's skin doesn't look like it's been in water for long. Only the nose and mouth look like this, – Shuri calmly explained and added insistently, – I bet my car drowned in this very puddle. After such a performance, you are obliged to also put something on the line, even chewing gum. There is no point in telling what Shuri and the doctor argued about next. Moreover, Dean was looking at the girl’s body again, albeit from a different angle. At that moment he realized that it was not in vain that he asked to come here. He realized that Myrta was not here, literally. Two things prompted him to do this. Firstly, Myrta never had her nails done, and this girl had very well-groomed hands. Secondly, from this angle the inside of the coat became better visible. Dean saw the small inscription on the tag: "Made in China." But Mrs. Semono always actively supports domestic producers. She does this so actively that she often bothers even her forgetful son. Dean couldn't imagine ever being grateful for that. This made him laugh for the first time in three months.       Laughter is not a common occurrence in the morgue. And if you do something that happens quite rarely, it will most likely attract attention. This is how the argument between the pathologist and Shuri ended. – I just don’t have enough crazy people here! – the doctor shouted and ran to the first aid kit. – I can handle it myself! – Shuri said sarcastically and turned to his friend, – Hey, Dean, what are you doing? Quiet. Come here. Shuri tried to pick Dean up. But Dean himself, in his euphoria, considered these actions to be hugs. So he quickly pulled back, took Shuri's hand and said: – Thank you for your help. I went. And remember, you owe Shuri O'Hara something. I love you, kiss you, bye! Shuri smiled slightly at these words. So, when the two of them walked out into the waiting room with a slight smile on their faces, the tearful Rushh saw a rather strange picture. Therefore it can be understood. – Were you in the funhouse or did your friend die?! - Rushh screamed. – She is alive! – Dean shouted. – Don’t you see he’s bad, help me, – Shuri answered and turned to Dean, – Hey, buddy, they’ve decided on my profession, I’ll be a pathologist. Now let's go, Rushh and I will take you home. – Yes. Dee, can I stay with you today? Dean couldn't understand their concern. He forgot that Rushh didn't go with them and that Shuri didn't know his mom. Therefore, the understanding of the whole situation came to him by chance. When the question arose in my head: “Who is dead then?” – No. We're going to the police first, – Dean said. – It’s just a tick-tock clock, – said Rushh. – Let's go, I'll explain everything now.