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My body is burning, and a trickle of sweat slides down my face.

Sleazy bands his arms around my waist, hurting me. “Open the van. I want to tap that ass!”

I kick him, but Sleazy’s arms tighten even more.

“Be quick, so I can have my turn.” The bald man clasps my legs. “Behave or we’ll kill you.”

Panic surges as I call for help. “Forrest!”

His name comes out muffled. I cry uncontrollably as the third man steps out to the shower of light from the light pole. He’s also wearing red shoes. I hate seeing the man who doesn’t know he’s my father.

“You look like someone I know.” He studies me as though searching for clues.

An irresponsible and selfish man shouldn’t have the power to make rules for others.

Something fierce erupts in me. Hatred and violence uncoils like a viper. With all my might, I become an animal, thrashing all over the place.

“Get off me!” My voice rings out against the quiet night.

As though on command, they immediately release me. I run for my life, and the glowing blood droplets transform into a bunch of mini Chococats, guiding me down the street. I’m no longer in the dark.

Then one of the little Chocoats leaps into my arm, gives me a big hug, and melts into my body. I feel its love, warmth, and healing as though medicine has just cleared away all my ailments. My body shivers as I run, knowing that whatever blockage I’ve had with blood breaks apart in that moment. What has been terrifying is now replaced with by love and hope.

Somehow I know this is a dream.

I may not fear blood, but I’m frightened of those men. I can hear them laughing as they rush after me. I don’t know how I’m able to run so fast, keeping pace with the multiple Chococats.

The dream feels real and strange to me. But I’m able to decide. I will my body to scream loud and clear.

“Forrest! Help me! I need you!”

When a hand touches me, I scream and punch into the air, hitting something.

“Oww.”

I woke to Forrest staring down at me with worried eyes while rubbing his shoulder.

Bolting up from the bed, I gripped his shoulder, examining it. “Oh my God. Did I hit you?”

“It’s okay. You were dreaming.” Those gorgeous sage eyes searched my face.

I missed him so much. My handsome BaMBu Beast—a man who made me feel safe, desired, and worthy. Whenever I’d seen my friends’ lovers look at them, I wondered what it would feel like to have a man look at me the same way. Now I understood. That feeling was beyond powerful. I could feel his affection for me erase all the imperfections I’d collected over the years.

My heart palpitated with a surge of energy.

“You okay?” he asked.

He probably saw the emotions in my eyes, but I didn’t want to talk about it. For now, I wanted that special moment for myself.

“Me? You’re the one who got hit for no reason.”

Forrest slid into bed with me, gathering me into his arms. “I’d take the hit for you any day.” He kissed the top of my head. “I’m here now, and I won’t let anyone take you away from me again.”

I felt his promise wrap around my heart like a velvet ribbon.

A tear slipped from my eyes, but it wasn’t from sadness. It was from how he was healing me. I snuggled into him, breathing in his scent, absorbing the comfort and security he offered me. “The dream felt so real. I knew I was dreaming, and I made decisions. I’ve never been able to do that in a dream before.”

“You experienced lucid dreaming. It’s when you’re aware you’re dreaming and have some control over the dream. Lucid dreams can be beneficial. They can enhance creativity, solve problems, and help you overcome fears.”