2024-10-24 “Shocking Awakening” by Hannah (born 2002)

To borrow from the movie, I am finally… back to the future… in my own time… I think.

As I lay sleeping I suddenly realized that I was neither hot nor cold, nudged toward consciousness by unexpected comfort. After days in 1880 Memphis where it was in the mid 80°s by day and low 50°s by night (28-11°C), to be neither hot nor cold was a surprise.

In that twilight in-between state emerged a shocking dream.

I was in the wilderness bathing beside Emma. We stood on a shipping pallet separated from neck to knees from Merritt and Kent by a pancho roped between trees. A 5 gal bucket hung from a branch; the four of us shared a hose with a garden sprayer.

It was early evening and the scent of campfire teased my nostrils as Emma spoke. “Hannah, remember to just say ‘med-kit’ if you can. ‘Medical supply kit’ sounds…”

I interrupted. “I know… like a thing said in 1880… I will do my best…”

At that, Merritt reached for a towel and wrapped it around himself. “I’ve finished. I’ll return t’ camp and await the trainees. They should arrive soon.”

At that, Emma pressed her bare chest into the pancho. “Hey… hey…”

Merrit stopped and looked all around, then met her at the pancho, leaned to her and kissed her softly on the lips. “This seems so improper… unclothed and parted from women by a single sheet of fabric.”

Emma shrugged. “We’re alone in the middle of the wilderness… it’s the 1980s, not the 1880s… I think we’re fine.”

Kent reached for the hose sprayer, pressed the handle and gave himself a rinse. “Turn around Hannah… I’ll rinse your backside.”

I felt myself blushing as I moved close to the pancho and said, “Thank you good sir, but no… I can handle my own rinsing. You need not light your eyes on my… backside.”

Kent’s pleasant laughter pushed me into full consciousness. 

I’m lying here replaying the dream so I don’t forget any details. I believe this is very important, and I want to recount it to the others accurately.