My father Returned in a Dream

"I dreamed about my father, who has passed away. I was sitting in my childhood home when he suddenly walked into the room. He looked exactly like I remembered him, wearing the same kind of clothes he used to wear. For a moment I didn't say anything. I just stared at him because I knew he wasn't supposed to be there. He sat down beside me and started talking about something ordinary, like we had only been apart for a few days. I wanted to ask him where he had been, but I couldn't get the words out. Then somehow we were outside, walking down a street I didn't recognize. He was telling me something, but I could barely hear him. I reached for his hand, and he smiled at me. Then I blinked, and he was gone. I was standing alone beside an empty bench. I remember feeling that heavy sadness all over again. I woke up wishing I could have stayed in that dream a little longer."