Chapter 3 3

Cherry thought for a moment. "I think it might represent my career," she said. "I've been feeling stuck in my job, like I'm not really making any progress. It's been really frustrating, and I feel like I'm going around in circles, but never getting anywhere. Maybe my subconscious is telling me that I need to make a change."

"That's a really insightful interpretation," Marie said. "It sounds like your recurring dream is trying to tell you that it's time to make a change in your career. Maybe you need to look for a new job, or explore a different path. Do you have any ideas about what you might want to do next?"

Cherry shook her head. "I'm not sure," she said.

"That's okay," Marie said. "Maybe your subconscious is just telling you that it's time to start exploring your options. Sometimes just taking the first step, even if we don't know where it will lead, is all it takes to start making progress. Can you think of one small step you could take toward making a change in your career?"

Cherry thought for a moment. "I could start updating my resume," she said. "I haven't done that in a while, and it might be a good first step."

"That's a great idea!" Marie said. "Updating your resume is a simple but important step that can help you feel more in control of your career path. Even if you're not ready to make a big change right now, it's good to be prepared for when the right opportunity comes along. Are you feeling a little more hopeful now?"

Cherry nodded. "I do," she said. "It feels good to have a plan, even if it's just a small one. It's like the maze in my dream has opened up a little, and I can see a way out."

"That's a really beautiful way of putting it," Marie said. "Sometimes all we need is a little crack of light to help us find our way. It sounds like you're on your way to finding a path that's more fulfilling for you. Do you feel like your recurring dream might start to fade away now that you've made this breakthrough?"

Cherry thought about it. "I think it might," she said. "I feel like a weight has been lifted, and I'm ready to move forward. I'm grateful that my subconscious was able to communicate with me in this way, and help me find a way out of the maze."

"It's amazing what our subconscious minds are capable of," Marie said. "I think it's so wonderful that you were able to gain some insight from your dream, and use that to make a positive change in your life. Dreams can be such a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation."

Cherry smiled. "I'm so glad I shared my dream with you," she said. "It really helped to talk it through and gain some perspective. I feel like I'm ready to take on whatever comes my way."

"I'm so happy to have been able to help you on your journey," Marie said. "It's what I love most about my work - seeing people make progress and feel more hopeful about their future. If you ever need to talk through another dream or situation, you know where to find me!"

"Thank you so much," Cherry said. "I really appreciate your support and guidance. It's made a world of difference."

They smiled at each other, and Cherry felt a deep sense of gratitude for this chance encounter. Sometimes, all it takes is one conversation to make a world of difference. She felt like a new chapter was beginning, and she was ready to embrace it with open arms.

FEW DAYS LATER

Cherry is going about her daily duties, but she keeps getting the feeling that she's being watched. She tries to shake it off, but she can't help but feel like someone is following her every move. She starts to feel a little paranoid, and she wonders if she's just imagining things. But then, one day, she turns a corner and comes face to face with someone she never expected to see. Cherry tries to find her voice, but it's caught in her throat. The man takes a step towards her, and she feels like she's about to faint. But then, he reaches out a hand and gently picks up the towels that she dropped. "I'm just here to help," he says. "Let me start by picking these up for you."

Cherry feels a little less afraid, but she's still not sure what to make of this strange man. "Who are you?" she manages to ask.

"My name is Daniel," he says. "I work here in the mansion, just like you."

"You work here?" Cherry asks, her voice filled with disbelief. "I've never seen you before. How long have you been here?"

Daniel looks at her, and there's a strange twinkle in his eye. "Longer than you think," he says, with a slight smile. "But don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you. I'm just here to help."

Cherry feels a bit more at ease, but she's still not sure what to make of this strange man. But then, he holds out his hand, and says, "How about we start over? I'm Daniel and I'll be happy to help you with anything you need. Let's just try to get to know each other, and maybe you'll feel less afraid of me."

Cherry takes a deep breath, and slowly takes his hand. "Okay," she says, her voice still a little shaky. "I'm Cherry, and I guess we can try to get to know each other. But I still have a lot of questions."

Daniel smiles, and his eyes twinkle. "I'm sure you do," he says. "But for now, let's just start with something simple. How about we start with your favorite food?"

Cherry lets out a small laugh, surprised by the question. But she thinks for a moment, and says, "I love strawberry shortcake."

Daniel grins. "Now, that's a good answer. Strawberry shortcake is delicious. And what's your favorite color?"

Cherry is starting to feel more comfortable with this strange man. She smiles and says, "My favorite color is blue."

"Blue is a wonderful color," Daniel says. "It's the color of the sky and the ocean. It's calming and peaceful."

"So, you're a peaceful, calming person who likes strawberry shortcake and the color blue," Daniel says. "What about your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?"

"I like to read," Cherry says. "I love getting lost in a good book. And I also enjoy taking walks in the park."

"That sounds so lovely," Daniel says. "Reading and taking walks are both great ways to relax and clear your mind. Do you have a favorite book?"

Cherry thinks for a moment, and then says, "I love Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë.