One Happy Dream: A Factory Worker’s Journey from Teenage Dreams to Reality

"I wonder how Shirley’s doing now…"

[🎧 The audio version is available at the bottom of the page.] ⬇

(Scene: A Factory Canteen, afternoon. YOU sit slouched at a table, head resting on folded arms. Around you, coworkers chat and eat, but your eyes are closed, drifting into a dream—)

(You find yourself in your old High-School Classroom, sitting at your desk. Next to you, SHIRLEY, a cheerful girl with a warm smile, looks at you as you wake up.)

Shirley: You fell asleep again.

(You sit up groggily, rubbing your eyes.)

You: What time is it?

Shirley: Two forty-five.

You: Thirty more minutes in prison, and I’m free.

Shirley: You always say that. You know, if you keep this up, you won’t get into university.

You: What’s the point? I’ve looked at all the courses they offer. None of them interest me. It’s a waste of time.

Shirley: That’s not true. You just haven’t found the right thing yet. It’s not too late. You should at least try to find something to study.

(She hesitates, then adds:)

Shirley: I mean, it’d be nice if we could go to university together.

You: What would I even do? The only things I’m good at are football, fighting, and talking rubbish. And football players in this city make peanuts. Maybe I could try being a comedian or something.

(Shirley bursts out laughing, slapping your shoulder.)

Shirley: A comedian? Actually… I think you’d be great at it… if you try hard.

(You grin, leaning closer.)

You: Oh, I’d be more than great. I’d be famous. Rich, too. And when I make it big, I’ll give you free tickets to all my shows.

Shirley: Deal. Just don’t forget me when you’re famous.

(You both laugh, but then you wake up from your dream.)

(You sit up abruptly, realizing you’re back in the Factory Canteen. The clock on the wall reads 2:53 PM.)

You: Damn. I’m late again.

(You rub your head, a wistful smile creeping onto your face.)

You: Comedian? What a joke. It was a happy dream, though. I wonder how Shirley’s doing now…

(You close your lunchbox, grab your things, and hurry toward the production line.)

(Posted on Threads on 24.12.2024)

#TeenageDreamToReality

(🎧 Audio Version) One Happy Dream: A Factory Worker’s Journey from Teenage Dreams to Reality