The Dream Collector's Visit

The Dream Collector's Visit. The moon hung low in the sky like a silver lantern. Stars twinkled and winked through the window. The house was quiet and still. Lily lay in her bed, watching the shadows dance on the ceiling. She was not quite asleep. She was not quite awake. She was somewhere soft and dreamy in between. Then she heard it... a gentle tap, tap, tap on the glass. Lily sat up slowly. There at her window was the most wonderful figure she had ever seen. A tall, gentle person wrapped in a cloak of deep midnight blue. The cloak shimmered with tiny lights, like stars had been sewn into the fabric. And it had pockets... so many pockets, of every shape and size. The figure smiled warmly and waved. Lily was not afraid. Something about those kind eyes made her feel perfectly safe. She tiptoed to the window and opened it just a crack. "Hello there," whispered the visitor. "I am the Dream Collector. I gather lovely things for children's dreams. Would you like to choose some for tonight?" Lily nodded eagerly. "Oh wonderful," said the Dream Collector. "Let us begin." A gentle hand reached into a pocket shaped like a crescent moon. Out came two tiny glass bottles, glowing softly. "First, we must choose your dream companion. Shall we add a purple dragon who breathes bubbles instead of fire? Or perhaps a friendly owl with feathers made of moonlight?" Lily thought carefully. A bubble-breathing dragon sounded very funny indeed. "The dragon please," said Lily. "An excellent choice," smiled the Dream Collector. The bottle was uncorked with a tiny pop. Something sparkly and purple drifted through the air. It floated down and settled into her pillow like morning dew. Now the Dream Collector reached into a pocket shaped like a star. Two more bottles appeared, swirling with colour. "Next, we need somewhere magical to explore. Would you prefer a flying boat that sails through clouds of cotton candy? Or a garden where the flowers sing lullabies?" Lily clasped her hands together. Both sounded absolutely lovely. But she had always wanted to float among the clouds. "The flying boat," whispered Lily. "Perfect," said the Dream Collector. Another bottle opened with a soft sigh. Golden sparkles tumbled out like tiny shooting stars. They drifted down and nestled beside the purple shimmer in her pillow. The Dream Collector reached into a pocket shaped like a seashell. "Now for somewhere to land. Shall we add a beach with sand that sparkles like diamonds? Or a forest where the trees grow lollipops and the rivers flow with honey?" Lily giggled quietly. "The sweet forest," said Lily. "How delicious," chuckled the Dream Collector. Pink and green sparkles swirled from the third bottle. They joined the others, sinking deep into the soft pillow. One more pocket remained. This one was shaped like a little heart. The Dream Collector held up the final two bottles with great care. "Last of all, every good dream needs a feeling. Shall we add the warmth of a cosy blanket on a snowy day? Or the excitement of finding a hidden treasure?" Lily snuggled back under her covers. She thought about how nice it felt to be warm and safe. "The cosy feeling please," said Lily. "The very best choice for a peaceful sleep," said the Dream Collector. The last bottle released a soft golden glow. It wrapped around the other sparkles like a gentle hug. Her pillow seemed to pulse with quiet magic. The Dream Collector tucked the empty bottles away and pulled the cloak tighter. The pockets clinked softly like tiny wind chimes. "Your dream is ready now," whispered the visitor. "A purple dragon will meet you on a flying boat. Together you will sail to a forest of sweets. And you will feel warm and happy the whole night through." Lily smiled and yawned. Her eyes were growing heavy. "Thank you," she murmured. "Sweet dreams," said the Dream Collector. "I shall visit again another night. There are so many more wonderful things to choose." The window closed without a sound. The figure in the starry cloak drifted away into the night, off to visit other children with other pockets full of dreams. Lily rested her head on her magical pillow. She could almost feel the sparkles tingling beneath her cheek. The purple dragon was waiting for her. The flying boat was ready to sail. She closed her eyes... and smiled... and slept. And oh, what wonderful dreams she had. The end.