Chasing Maya on the Subway to a Transforming Coffee Shop

Chasing Maya on the Subway to a Transforming Coffee Shop

I woke up late for work and rushed out of the apartment, half‑asleep, still in my pajamas. On the subway, I saw Maya – my girlfriend's best friend – standing at the door, looking exactly like she did at our college reunion last year. She smiled, and I felt a weird mix of familiarity and guilt. We both got off at the same stop, a tiny coffee shop I hadn't noticed before. I tried to hide my phone in my jacket, but it slipped out onto the table. Maya bent down to pick it up, and her hand brushed mine. Suddenly the shop transformed into my old high‑school hallway, lockers lining the walls, and I realized I was still wearing my work suit over my pajamas. A voice called my name – it was my boss – but I was too busy watching Maya's eyes linger on me. I wanted to tell her I was married, but the words got stuck. The dream ended with me sprinting back to the train, the doors closing just as I reached for her hand.