Dear Diary,
Summer has finally arrived, and with it, the colors of life seem to have burst into view, replacing the dullness of school days. I can’t even begin to express how good it feels to be free again! No more homework, no more lectures—just me, my time, and endless days of ice cream and fun. Honestly, I feel like I’m on top of the world right now. I waved goodbye to Omkar after our last day, grinning the whole way home. I was already thinking of all the things I could do this holiday. This summer is going to be legendary, I kept telling myself.
Mom greeted me as soon as I got home. "How was your last day?" she asked. I couldn’t hold back my excitement and told her, "It was awesome! I feel so free!" And that’s when I decided—I’m going to make this summer count. I’ve set myself a little challenge: I want to try and lucid dream. I’ve read about it—being able to control your dreams. How cool would it be to live out any adventure I can imagine while I’m sleeping? It’s like a personal mission now.
The day moved slowly after that, almost like life was letting me ease into vacation mode. I took it easy, imagining all the fun I was going to have. By evening, I decided to head out for a walk to my swimming class. Swimming’s always been my thing—it clears my head and refreshes me. But, of course, today had to be one of those intense lap days. I was wiped out by the time I finished. But it felt good—like the start of a summer ritual.
I got home just in time to see Dad had come back from work early. That was rare. We chatted over dinner, which was delicious. Mom had gone all out since Dad was home early, and I ate like a king. We wrapped up dinner, and soon it was time to head to bed. But tonight was different. I was determined to lucid dream. I focused hard before I drifted off—repeating to myself that I would know when I was dreaming.
And then it happened.
Suddenly, I was falling, deep into what seemed like an endless ravine. I could feel the rush of air, the sense of being pulled down into a strange, colorful world. When I looked around, I realized I wasn’t anywhere real—the sky swirled with colors I didn’t even know existed, and the ground was made of these soft, marshmallow-like cushions. I pinched myself, and it stung! I was dreaming, and I knew it!
I was beyond excited. I could do anything here. So I did the first thing that popped into my head—I willed myself to fly. And just like that, I was soaring into the sky, laughing as I passed mountains made of candy and oceans of gold. I fought a dragon, met talking animals, and even had dinner with historical figures. Everything was so vivid, so real, but I was in control of it all.
At one point, I came across two doors. One was fancy, glowing with light and intricate designs; the other was plain, almost boring. Naturally, I went for the fancy one first. Inside, I found mirrors—each one showing a different version of me. I saw myself as a warrior, a wise old sage, and even as a carefree kid. Each reflection seemed to say, “You can be anything.”
But then I tried the plain door. Inside was a peaceful garden, where my family and friends were waiting for me. They welcomed me with open arms, reminding me that no matter where my dreams took me, my real life and the people in it are just as important.
The dream slowly began to fade, and the next thing I knew, the morning light was streaming through my window. I woke up with the biggest smile. I did it. I lucid dreamed. And it was incredible.
Now, I’m even more excited for the rest of this summer. If I can dream like that, imagine what else I can do! Time to make the most of every single day.
Until next time, Karan
