On that starry night, I was sitting with my legs submerged in the cool water on the banks of the serene lake. Lost in my own thoughts, I gazed at my reflection in the water, pondering over what I was and what I could have been if only circumstances had been different. Little did I know that an unexpected conversation was about to unfold.

“You aren’t happy with your life, are you?” I flinched, turning abruptly to see who had spoken. To my surprise, it was my own reflection, sitting quietly beside me, staring up at the vast expanse of the night sky as I contemplated.

I sighed, “I never wanted my life to turn out like this. I had dreams, hopes, and aspirations of my own. But now, it feels as if my life has come to a standstill, confined within the boundaries of my duties and responsibilities. This managing post may be what others desire, but for me, it’s merely a means to make a living,” I said with dreary voice.

“So, what did you want to be, and why didn’t you pursue that path?” Questioned my reflection.

I mustered a brief smirk and replied, “It’s easy to say, isn’t it? But who said I didn’t try?” I gazed up at the starry sky as images seemed to form in the air. ” I always loved reading books and writing stories. I even secretly, against the wishes of those around me, indulged in reading books and crafting my own stories. I once fought against them to have a chance to bring my creations in the eyes of the world. I went there, worked hard but failed. Before I could continue came crashing upon me, my responsibilities and duties for my family. The burden of which made me live up to making a living and taking care of my people, leaving past my desires, what they called a childish greed.’ My voice chocked as I began tearing.

‘I always wished being the main character, having the perfect life, like the heroes. They get everything they want may it be a battle, love or just a dream of who they want to be, all of it gets fulfilled. If only my life would be just a little like that. But, I couldn’t be that. I couldn’t be any of it.’ I sobbed uncontrollably, and my reflection gently leaned in putting my head slowly on her shoulder as I cried my heart out.

In that vulnerable moment, my reflection spoke again, her voice filled with a glimmer of hope. “Do you want to see something?” she asked, smiling warmly. She began roving her hand gracefully around the lake as a shimmering light followed along and I watched with my eyes wide open. With her hand moving over the water’s surface, astonishingly she transformed the water into various shapes—a star, a horse, a butterfly, and even clouds. The water’s magical display fascinated me, and the shimmering figures began to move, as the water gradually glittered them. They all danced sparkling in harmony. Lost in the enchantment, I was caught off guard as the water splashed playfully onto my face. Startled, I turned to her, my expression a mixture of surprise and mild annoyance. In retaliation, I splashed water back at her, and we engaged in a playful water fight, laughing and dodging each other’s attacks.

Then, she held my hands, pulling me up from my seated position. Together, we sat on the back of the water horse, riding and gliding across the surface, delighting in the joy of the moment. I released my hands into the flowing water, feeling its gentle current as we sailed away into the distance.

‘Wasn’t it fun!’ she claimed as we sat back after the long cruise with heavy breathes, laughingly, I agreed.

I was still lost rewinding the moment when she asked softly, “Do you remember what you said just before you met me? About what you were and what you could be?”

Confused, I replied, “Yes, I remember. But what does that have to do with anything?” With a knowing look, she pointed towards my heart. “Your dream is still alive right here. Whenever you look at yourself in the mirror or in your reflection, you strive to see the person you wish to be, before reality sets in,” she explained.

Perplexed, I tried to comprehend her words. She continued, “But look at what you’ve discovered—a secret world that no one else knows. You got to be the human who has entered a fictional realm, just like the heroes you admired. Doesn’t that make you the main character?”

Her words struck a chord within me, and I slowly began to understand her perspective. ‘A normal life  with all good things and no problems never makes a story.’ she expounded, ‘You were able to see me and all of this only because of your desires, to be something you are not. Heroes never have a perfect life; they make it one. Success and-’

‘Oh no, not again!’ I interjected appallingly, ‘success, hard work, failing, I have heard it all a billion times, but it never works and yet I was willing to do it all, I just never got a chance.’

Adroitly she said the adage,

‘TOUGH AS IT SEEMS,

BEAUTIFUL IS THE END;

DO MORE OF WHAT YOU LOVE,

BECAUSE ONLY ONE LIFE

IS WHAT YOU GET.’

Undeterred, she imparted her wisdom, “Paths will unravel once you take the first step. Obstacles will undoubtedly arise as you progress, but don’t let them halt your journey. In the end, what you’ll gain won’t be something you can touch, see, or hear—it will be something you’ll feel. A feeling of happiness, satisfaction, and liveliness. And that will be the most beautiful thing you will ever experience.”

She turned towards me; her gaze filled with earnestness. I was completely submerged in its thoughts when I suddenly heard her ask, “Will you?”

Gathering my resolve, I responded with gratitude and determination, “I will.” She nodded with contentment, then slowly turned her head, fixating her gaze on the rippling water. I followed suit, peering into my own reflection, feeling a newfound sense of companionship and strength. “I will,” I reaffirmed to my reflection, cast upon the water’s surface. I turned around, half-expecting to find her there, but she had vanished. Yet, this time, I didn’t feel lonely. Certainly, because I had myself with me. I had found a spark of new hope, unfolding an unfulfilled dream within. As I realised it all, with a smile, I looked back at my reflection in the lake, and it smiled back at me.