“Can you imagine? He doesn’t do what he wants!”

“What do you mean, ‘doesn’t do’?! What else is he able to do?”

“Everything his neighbors, friends, and simple passers-by tell him to.”

“But how can that be? Why doesn’t he do what he wants? Everyone else does. And they even manage to make him.”

“Because he simply doesn’t know what he wants.”

“What do you mean, ‘doesn’t know’? Everyone knows, but he doesn’t?”

“He says he has no imagination at all.”

“But how can that be? Everyone has an imagination! He’s a human being. And every human is born with a vibrant imagination. All that’s left for us is to surrender to the fantasy and the internal desire to invariably create something wonderful for our own pleasure.”

“Well, then, apparently two conclusions follow. He isn’t human. Or, in reality, he was born without any imagination whatsoever.”

“But that’s impossible!” the Chief Visionary of the World of Desired Life—who also serves as its head and everyone’s beloved friend—sincerely objects.

“Apparently, it is possible,” the Chief Visionary’s assistant and deputy says, helplessly throwing up his hands. “Sometimes, one has to admit the worst.”

“As long as we don’t acknowledge it, nothing becomes the worst. And if we don’t acknowledge it at all, then it won’t exist.”

“A slightly strange thought, but I’m forced to agree with the unwavering and solely correct opinion of our Chief Dreamer.”

“No! Don’t you dare agree!” the Chief Dreamer fiercely protests. “We didn’t create our world to agree with things that cause denial and indignation in us. Tell me everything you think. Voice your protest immediately!”

“I’d be happy to,” the assistant smirks. “But you yourself just forbade me from doing what I don’t want to do. And I absolutely don’t want to voice my thoughts,” he bows to the head of the world with a submissive smile.

“Well, I’ll be,” the Chief Dreamer says, smirking proudly as he looks at his subordinate. “How quickly you learn and how masterfully you wield your acquired skills.” Or friend. More likely, even a friend. There can’t be subordinates here. The Dream World is created for something completely different.

“We bring in a violator of the dream order,” they lead a young man into the bright, spacious, and luxurious hall.

“Good day,” the guest replies quietly and uncertainly, examining the far from expensive, but beautiful, decorations in the hall for discussing dream affairs.

“I hope you used the word ‘good’ correctly,” the head of the dream world smiles in a warmly friendly way as he meets the guest. “Is the day truly good for you or is this a display of your politeness?”

“I apologize,” the man whispers guiltily, lowering his head.

“What’re you apologizing for?” the Chief Dreamer inquires, smiling.

“I lied. A day of this kind can in no way be good for me,” in a burst of brave truthfulness uncharacteristic of him, the man takes a step toward the head of the dream world. The escorts and everyone present calmly observe, without attempting to react to the sharp movement.

“What has upset you so much about today?” the Chief Dreamer sits down in a small but comfortable armchair, inviting the saddened guest to take a seat.

“You see,” the man sits down uncertainly in an identical armchair opposite. “It always seemed to me that the world of dreamers was created so that everyone could do what they genuinely like.”

“Of course, that’s absolutely right,” the Chief Dreamer agrees with enthusiasm and genuine interest, leaning toward the man with a smile.

“Then why can’t I do what I like?” he objects openly, looking right into the depth of the smiling and open interlocutor’s eyes.

“Of course, you can!” the Chief Dreamer exclaims approvingly. “And what exactly do you like to do?”

“I love helping others,” the man says quietly, smiling. “So what’s wrong with that?”

“But you carry out their desires, not your own,” the Chief Dreamer explains more seriously. “You do what everyone else wants, not bringing your own dreams to life,” wrinkles of incomprehension appear on his forehead.

“But what if helping others fulfill their dreams is my cherished desire?” the man looks with childlike sincerity not just into the eyes of the head of the dream world, but into his very soul. “It pleases me to know and to feel that my actions help others become happier. This makes me feel joy in my heart, too. That’s how I become happier myself,” everyone present glances at each other in bewildered surprise.

“Yes,” the Chief Dreamer drawls thoughtfully. “It’s still a little strange. When creating our dream world, I was guided by the idea and the principle that a person can only be happy by bringing their own dreams to life. But I never imagined there could be another path to happiness.”

“And yet, look at me,” the man offers with a smile. “In my short life, I’ve managed to help hundreds of your friends become happier. And I became happier myself. After all, the dreams of others don’t just come true on their own. Every dreamer needs support, if not outright help. You must know yourselves how difficult it is for dreamers. And you know that it’s not enough to dream. You have to realize those dreams. But not everyone has enough strength for that. Some need dreamers like me, who dream of helping dreamers like them. So, we help.”

“So, you’re not the only one?” the Chief Dreamer wonders, asking his deputy with a look why there’s such a shortage of information about the state of affairs in the dream world.

“You’d be surprised,” the man smiles kindly. “If you roughly calculate it, for every dreamer in the world, there are about fifteen assistants like me. Sometimes the number grows to hundreds and thousands.”

“Thousands?” the shocked Chief Dreamer leans back into the armchair.

“You simply haven’t thought about it,” the man smiles more cheerfully. “Let’s take you, for example. You dreamed for many years of creating a world of dreamers. And in the end, you created it. Now, remember how many people helped you, including dreamers and dreamers’ assistants. At the same time, both groups became the Chief Dreamer’s assistants. So, how many people helped you?”

“Everyone,” the Chief Dreamer whispers in astonishment, staring into space, recalling the entire path of bringing his cherished dream of creating the world of dreamers into reality.

“There you see,” the man smiles contentedly. “Just like in any other world, we’re all interconnected. The dreams of one will never come true without the involvement of another. Even when everyone hinders the realization of that dream, forcing one to act even more assertively. Such is the process of dream realization,” the Chief Dreamer simply listens in silence to the unusual, but so truthful, view on dreams from a simple dreamers’ assistant, who quietly brings his own dreams to life by helping others in this.

“Everyone,” the Chief Dreamer repeats in a whisper, unable to recover from the realization. Those present split into those discussing, those protesting, and those silently stunned. The rest, unable to bear the shocking news, completely leave the beautiful main hall in the center of the dream world, which the Chief Dreamer created with the help of everyone who believed in it and sometimes doubted the reality of the unrealizable dream. At first, no one believed at all that such a world could even be created. “Please, leave us alone,” the head of the dream world addresses all the witnesses of the strange and completely unfamiliar meeting, speaking calmly and without any emotion on his face.

“Are you sure?” the deputy asks doubtfully, shifting his gaze to the man, who is surprised by the Chief Dreamer’s decision.

“Of course,” the head of the dream world nods with a smile. “We need to discuss something with my new friend. And, I’m afraid, with witnesses present, I won’t see the whole truth that I’ll be able to hear and see face to face.”

“As you say,” the assistant nods humbly and distrustfully, departing.

The rest of those present leave after him, glancing back and discussing. The majority despise the man’s audacity in front of the head. And absolutely everyone envies him, since no one in the world of dreamers has ever been granted such an honor, not even the head of the dream world’s especially close deputy. And only now does the Chief Dreamer realize that his own dream assistant, whom he previously considered just another dreamer, is exiting the beautiful hall. A lot has changed in just a couple of minutes. But even more will change after the conversation between the Chief Dreamer and the dream assistant.

“Are you sure this conversation is so necessary?” the dream assistant looks solicitously at the Chief Dreamer, who is lost in his own thoughts.

“I beg your pardon?” the creator of the dream world returns to the beautiful hall and the unusual guest.

“We don’t necessarily have to discuss my words,” the guest repeats, smiling easily.

“It’s absolutely necessary!” the Chief Dreamer insists resolutely. “We’re about to have a practically personal conversation, so we need to simplify it slightly. Manny,” the dreamer smiles genuinely, extending his hand to the surprised guest.

“Eddie,” the man readily shakes his hand, rising slightly from the armchair.

“No need for formality, we’re friends,” the Chief Dreamer quietly reminds him.

“Of course,” Eddie smiles. “Then, as a friend, I suggest once more that we call off the set topic of conversation and talk about something else.”

“No, forgive me, Eddie, the conversation is going to happen,” Manny insists more confidently, making it clear there’s no getting out of it.

“Well, then we’ll talk,” sparks of devilish self-confidence flash in Eddie’s eyes.

“Is it just me, or are you not who you say you are?” Manny gazes intently into the unusual interlocutor’s eyes.

“Yes, I’m not a simple dreamer,” Eddie reminds him, smiling. “Being a dreamers’ assistant is much harder. That’s why, in addition to desires and dreaminess, you need persistence and willpower.”

“Just like the dreamers themselves,” Manny adds.

“Oh, yes,” Eddie agrees, laughing lightly. “If all dreamers had the inner strength and confidence that their assistants have, the world would descend into chaos.”

“Our world?” the Chief Dreamer asks in surprise, shifting nervously in his armchair.

“Including ours,” the guest nods, smiling. “Any world would descend into chaos if the dreamer wasn’t restrained by limitations. After all, everyone’s dreams are different. And if all of them came true indiscriminately, or only the strongest ones, and not just the necessary and correct ones, it would be the end of everything.”

“Are you saying that if all dreams come true, it’ll be the end of the world?” Manny clarifies, thrown by his interlocutor’s words.

“I think the end of the Universe will come then,” Eddie answers calmly and immediately.

“It turns out that our world, which I created,” Manny says quietly. “We created with the assistants,” he adds, taking the news into account. Eddie nods in agreement, smiling. “Is our dream world dangerous for the Universe?”

“Yes,” Eddie states confidently, without any fear of offending the Chief Dreamer and creator of the unusual dreamed-up world. “Our world will definitely ruin the entire Universe. Unless,” he looks optimistically into the eyes of his interlocutor, “all the dreamers’ assistants vanish from our world and all the others.”

“Hold on, I’m confused,” Manny quietly admits. “So, are the main players in the Universe not the dreamers, but their assistants?”

“Of course,” Eddie agrees with a smile. “Dreamers receive ideas directly from the Universe. But without help from their surroundings, ideas remain mere thoughts.”

“But there are dreamers who do everything themselves, without any help,” the Chief Dreamer clarifies hopefully.

“There are,” Eddie asserts more seriously. “It’s those dreamers who are the most dangerous. They can do anything!”

“And what do we do about them without the assistants’ control?” Manny panics. “They could destroy everything. Including my world,” he desperately imagines the death of his own dream.

“Don’t worry,” Eddie laughs. “Free dreamers only make worlds better.”

“How so?” the Chief Dreamer is genuinely surprised. “You said they’re the most dangerous.”

“Yes, because they have much more power than ordinary dreamers. And the power is given to them by the Universe itself, which guides them. It doesn’t control or limit them, it simply offers suggestions. The beauty of free dreamers lies in the fact that they create the best in the Universe.”

“But you said there are no dreamers without assistants,” the serious Manny reminds him.

“The assistants next to such dreamers become not just assistants, but a part of the dream, sometimes the dream itself.”

“And have you found such a free dreamer for yourself?” the Chief Dreamer asks, staring intently into the man’s eyes.

“Finding a free dreamer and merging with his dream is my cherished desire,” Eddie sighs with a smile.

“We’ve gotten distracted, Manny,” Eddie walks onto the balcony calmly and measuredly, as if he owned the place. “Let me show you something,” he indicates with a slight movement of his hand.

“What haven’t I seen there?” the Chief Dreamer replies in a disheartened voice, stepping out onto the balcony.

“What do you see?” Eddie asks with a smile, pointing at the city below.

“An ordinary city,” Manny says coldly, looking disappointedly at the small town with simple streets and houses. Some stand out with their special architecture and design.

“No, my friend. It’s not just a city!” Eddie protests. “It is your cherished dream!”

“It was that. But it turned out to be a simple, useless endeavor,” the Chief Dreamer tries to leave the balcony, his head bowed.

“Wait, please,” the dream assistant gently restrains the head of the world by the elbow, like the friend he’d become a few minutes ago. “Look one more time.”

“Nothing new,” Manny mutters quietly. “I wanted to create a world for dreamers, where everyone would be busy realizing their most cherished desires. It should have been the most special place in the Universe. But what I got was a city with a few dreamers, whom all the other residents help. Everything is as it was before. Nothing has changed.”

“But you’re missing the most important and crucial detail,” Eddie assures him with enthusiasm. “Money isn’t needed here. You don’t have to think and worry day in and day out only about how to survive, feed, clothe, and shelter yourself and your loved ones. You gave everyone the freedom to create and to help the creators. Wasn’t your goal to make everyone happy?”

“My goal was only the creation of the world of dreamers,” the Chief Dreamer recalls with disappointment.

“And you did a wonderful job!” Eddie encourages him. “Without even knowing it, you achieved the hidden mission of your project. You made everyone genuinely happy. After all, everyone calmly does what they want. And the result of a beloved activity is happiness.”

“Strange,” Manny looks thoughtfully at his creation with a completely different perspective. Wrinkles appear on his forehead. Not from disappointment or anger, but from a complete re-evaluation of everything he had previously seen in a completely different light. “A mission,” he whispers, stroking the slight stubble on his chin.

“Happiness,” Eddie whispers with a smile. “You succeeded in everything. And even more. Rejoice, your dream brings happiness not only to you but to everyone else, too. You’re a deserving Chief Dreamer of the dream world!”

“But I’m not a free dreamer,” Manny recalls sadly, instantly becoming upset. “I didn’t create all of this by myself. Everyone helped me.”

“And there’s a huge plus in that. You’re surrounded by happy assistants and like-minded people. And free dreamers, due to their self-sufficiency, in most cases remain lonely for their whole lives,” Eddie says more sadly, recalling real-life examples.

“Do you know any such people in our world?” the Chief Dreamer asks with surprise, forgetting everything else.

“Of course,” Eddie smiles sadly. “Would you be greatly surprised if I said they live on the outskirts of our world or even in its remote locations, not communicating with anyone except the Universe?”

“A little surprising,” Manny admits thoughtfully. “But quite logical, considering their self-sufficiency. Can you take me to them?” With eyes burning with enthusiasm, the Chief Dreamer latches onto this unexpected novelty, which he never could have imagined.

“Finding such dreamers isn’t difficult,” Eddie considers seriously. “It will be harder to find a common language with them.”

“That’s not necessary,” Manny exclaims animatedly. “I just want to look at them.”

“I think we’ll be able to take a peek,” the guest, who has turned the Chief Dreamer’s entire world upside down, considers with a smile.

“Then let’s go!” the creator of the dream world commands briskly, powerfully throwing open the doors of the luxurious hall.

“But, sir,” the dreamer’s deputy whispers in surprise.

“I don’t want to hear anything!” Manny insists persistently. “We’re leaving!” he urges his new, equally surprised, friend Eddie along.

“But where to?” the deputy pretends not to know, although he diligently eavesdropped on the entire conversation between the Chief Dreamer and the unexpectedly strange man.

“That’s none of your business,” Manny answers, smiling calmly. “I’m not your sir. And don’t be offended, we’re still friends,” they hurry down the steps of the luxurious palace.

“And what should I do?” the deputy asks confusedly, pausing.

“You’re the deputy!” Manny reminds him with a smile. “So, deputize!” Everyone around them struggles to hold back their smiles.

“And when will you return?” the temporary acting head of the dream world clarifies, stopping on the threshold of the luxurious palace.

“When I become free!” the Chief Dreamer declares joyfully and optimistically, leading his new friend and assistant deeper into the streets of the dream world under the surprised looks and whispers of the dreamy residents. The palace doors close, the slam signaling a new era in the life of the entire dream world. The residents of the world are not so much alarmed by the Chief Dreamer’s sudden impulse as they are by the deputy’s cunning and sinister gaze.

“Are you sure you know the right way?” Manny clarifies with a slight smile, having let go of the post of head of the dream world.

“Of course, I know,” Eddie smiles confidently. “I discreetly helped these free dreamers a couple of times.”

“So, they’re not all that free after all?” the Chief Dreamer looks at him seriously. He may have temporarily ceased to be the head of the dream world, but he will always be the Chief Dreamer, at least to himself.

“Freedom is generally not easy to gain. Especially when you’re alone,” Eddie reflects philosophically. “Everyone needs help. Even if it’s inconspicuous. Of course, sometimes assistants only get in the way. But I know my business. No one notices my help or my hints.”

“So, free dreamers owe you a part of their freedom?” Manny clarifies thoughtfully.

“I don’t send anyone bills. It’s unnecessary. You made food, clothing, and housing free, which simplified life for everyone immensely. For that, I’m infinitely grateful,” Eddie smiles sincerely, nodding slightly. “And recognition and words are completely unnecessary for me. So why would I demand something from someone when I already have everything? And a certain part of that is thanks to dreamers. Besides, I consider it unscrupulous to encroach upon the freedom of free dreamers, even partially.”

“I agree,” Manny supports him seriously. “Just stop calling me ‘you’ (formal), please. We’re friends. And we’ve long been outside the palace, as evidenced by the glances of our neighbors,” he subtly hints at the watching eyes.

“Yes, dreamers aren’t used to this,” Eddie smiles, subtly looking around at the onlookers.

“That’s a shame,” the Chief Dreamer sighs sadly. “I imagined the dream world a little differently. In my dreams, everyone is a friend and equal to each other, regardless of their desires and the results of their realization. The absence of money and the need to earn it for sustenance and survival should have thrown class inequality and disputes based on differences into the past.”

“But despite the realized dreams, all people remained different,” Eddie reminds him realistically. “In every person, dreamer, and assistant, all the constituent factors of inevitable difference are inherently embedded from birth. Different desires, dreams, ambitions. But don’t be sad!” his new friend encourages him with a cheerful smile. “You magically managed to gather all the dreamers under one roof in the dream world!”

“That’s not the hardest part, actually,” the Chief Dreamer smiles sadly. “Dreamers subconsciously gravitate toward each other. All I had to do was suggest a common meeting point.”

“In the very center of your cherished dream,” Eddie reminds him, smiling.

“And yet, there were dreamers who didn’t like the world of a shared dream,” Manny says thoughtfully, having difficulty accepting this fact.

“Of course. Free dreamers always strive for remoteness from others,” Eddie admits without hesitation. “And yet, they’re all nearby. Your dream attracted everyone it could and even more.”

“More?” Manny repeats in surprise.

“Don’t forget about the assistants,” his new friend reminds him with a grin. “Even though we’re also dreamers, for some reason, you didn’t know about us.”

“And I apologize for that,” the creator of the world of dreamers apologizes sincerely.

“Don’t apologize. Everyone is grateful to you, in fact,” Eddie supports him, delighted by the circumstances. “By the way, we’ve arrived at the first phenomenon of your world,” a black swamp with rare grassy islands shimmers smoothly with a mother-of-pearl sheen before the dreamer and the assistant. On a hill in the middle of the abyss stands a five-sided house with a sharp roof and a weather vane in the shape of a multi-pointed star. Each point faces a different direction.

“A questionable weather vane,” Manny quietly grins, examining the free dwelling. “It doesn’t serve a direct function, but I like it.”

“That’s just how they are, these free dreamers,” Eddie looks around, smiling. “You yourself created the dream world for happiness, not for utility.”

“I’m glad you understood the main mission of my desire,” the Chief Dreamer smiles contentedly.

“Well, shall we go?” Eddie confidently steps right into the black waters of the eerie swamp.

“Since there are no other paths to freedom, we must go,” Manny sighs with a smile, stepping in after the man. “Won’t we drown?”

“Who knows,” Eddie laughs. “Paths to freedom don’t imply safety.”

“You know, that answer isn’t encouraging at all,” the new friends laugh, wading through the swamp up to their chests.

“Why did you create such an eerie swamp in your world?” Eddie asks, smiling.

“I’m seeing it for the first time,” Manny quietly admits.

“And why didn’t you look more closely and choose a different place for the dream world?” Eddie asks seriously.

“Do you think the rest of the world would set aside something good and desirable for dreamers?” the creator of the dream world smiles sadly. “Ordinary people don’t like us. Sometimes they hate us. So why be surprised? Honestly, I was and remain insanely happy with even this little piece of the Universe. We could have been completely exterminated, every last one of us.”

“I didn’t think the rest of the world was so unfriendly,” his new friend is surprised. “In the past, I didn’t notice any hostility,” he recalls vaguely.

“That’s because you’re an assistant, not a dreamer,” Manny explains seriously. “Everyone loves those who do everything they’re asked. And they hate those who have their own goals, dreams, and desires. If you refuse to spend your life on others, you’re useless to the other world. And useless people aren’t liked.”

“Don’t you two have anything better to do?” the free dreamer shouts, laughing, from the balcony of the free mansion on the hilltop. “Grown men, yet you’re wandering through the swamps like silly children.”

“Are you saying all children are silly?” the Chief Dreamer objects, smiling.

“Why, no? Only those who wander through black swamps where even sensible adults have no business,” the sight of the adults wading through the swamp brings the free dreamer true pleasure and amusement.

“You could have thought up a simplified version of the path to you,” Eddie objects jokingly.

“Then everyone would want to visit me. And this swamp primarily serves as protection from guests,” the free dreamer explains, smiling calmly, in no hurry to help.

“That’s protection from unwanted guests. But what about wanted ones?” the Chief Dreamer asks.

“And for me, there are no such things!” the free dreamer laughs.

“I guess we’re not welcome here,” Manny looks at Eddie with a grin, considering the way back.

“Fine, don’t be offended!” the free dreamer pulls a lever on the balcony railing. Wide planks float up from the black muck, leading to the mansion.

“Thank you,” Manny says gratefully, smiling as he happily climbs and steps onto the planks.

“Why didn’t you just do that right away?” Eddie objects, stepping in after the Chief Dreamer.

“What about the fun?!” the free dreamer laughs. “I haven’t laughed like that in a long time. I’m even grateful to you both.”

“For the sake of fun, we can take a walk through a swamp,” Manny steps onto the dry, grassy ground of the free hill beneath the free mansion with a smile.

“It’s good that my guests are so understanding,” the free dreamer meets the guests on the shore. “You can call me Leo.”

“And your full name?” Manny asks respectfully.

“Leonardo. But I prefer to save time on trifles and dedicate it to bringing my cherished desires to life.”

“I approve,” the Chief Dreamer nods, smiling. “Manny,” he introduces himself, shaking his hand.

“I already guessed,” Leo smiles, returning the handshake.

“Eddie,” the assistant also extends his hand.

“I remember you, my friend,” Leo shakes the second guest’s hand with no less respect.

“But how? Where from?” Eddie is astonished.

“Do you think I could fail to notice the only person who, in a difficult moment, pulled me out of the black swamp of despair?” the free dreamer recalls seriously and with a smile.

“But I didn’t do anything,” Eddie continues to be surprised, walking toward the mansion after the free dreamer.

“You were nearby, and with simple words, you ignited the extinguished spark of desire to create in the darkness,” Leo recalls thoughtfully, inviting them into the mansion. “And looking at you, a thought came back to me. I remembered then why I even stepped onto the shaky and practically impassable path of the dream.”

“And what was the crucial thought?” Manny asks, smiling.

“I wanted to help as many people as possible make their lives better.”

“By the looks of it, you haven’t exactly succeeded,” Manny says sympathetically, surveying the interior of the mansion in a lonely and forgotten place. “From the outside, it’s a promising house of considerable size, but inside, it resembles an ordinary shack of a creator, worn down by time and doubt, constantly trying to get the maximum out of himself for the sake of his beloved craft.”

“A perceptive observation,” Leo smiles sadly, putting the kettle on the stove.

“I’m sorry, don’t be offended,” the Chief Dreamer hurries to correct the result of his voiced observation.

“It’s nothing, it’s fine,” Leo tries to smile as naturally as possible, not showing his grief and despair.

“Believe me, my friend,” Manny addresses him respectfully. “I am in no way mocking your unfulfilled dreams. I’m chastising myself for such a limited realization of my own dream. A grandiose undertaking resulted only in the creation of a small world of dreamers and assistants. Initially, a new, happy society based on mutual respect, reverence, and mutual support was planned. And in the end, it turned into an ordinary city of egoists. Everyone is blindly preoccupied with reviving their own dream. And no one cares at all about their neighbor’s dream.”

“You know, Manny,” Leo approaches, smiling, giving his guests cups of tea. “I would never in my life have been able to describe the very essence of what’s happening so accurately.”

“It’s a shame that I’m right,” the Chief Dreamer smiles sadly.

“And why are you here?” Leo asks the main question eagerly out of interest.

“I wanted to make sure that my dream was realized correctly and that everyone was happy, as intended. But in reality, our world is little different from the ordinary surrounding world of simple people,” sadness completely overwhelms the Chief Dreamer, who sips the hot black tea, examining the large tea leaves at the bottom of the cup. “Tell me, my dear friend, what was the strategy for realizing your dream?” the Chief Dreamer suddenly raises his gaze to the host of the house.

“Follies, of course,” the free dreamer smiles dreamily, examining the black, mirrored expanses of the surrounding swamp.

“There are no follies in the dream world. Dreams are serious,” Manny states with a confident smile.

“I wanted to change people’s lives through words and thoughts,” Leo’s gaze completely disperses on the horizon. “I dreamed of guiding people with stories in which everyone could dream, live, experience, and feel along with the characters. I wanted to show everyone that anything is possible in any world. Everyone can create at least a small miracle, making the impossible possible. I wanted to make the incredible real. I wanted people to believe in themselves and their own strength. But my words remained forever unheard. I’m locked on a lonely hill amidst an impassable black swamp. My name is forgotten, and my thoughts with their lofty ideas have hopelessly dissolved into the darkness of reality,” the free dreamer looks lost at the bookshelf. On the black leather spines, the titles of the books with the author’s name glow in gold. “Apparently, not all desires and dreams are destined to come true after all,” Leo turns back toward the swamp, sipping his hot black tea.

“You won’t believe it, of course,” Manny stands up with a smile and walks over to the free dreamer. “You did much more than you think. And your thoughts aren’t forgotten. My friend, you created this world!” the Chief Dreamer takes a small, worn book with a black leather cover, a slightly darkened golden title, and a personally familiar author’s name from inside his jacket. “You were the one who suggested the main principles of a better life to me. It was thanks to you that I took on the realization of my cherished dream. Thanks to you, I had the strength to achieve unprecedented heights and incredible results.”

“Well, I’ll be,” the free dreamer smiles in surprise. “I only released a few copies of that book into the world,” Leo smiles, holding back the painful tears of joy and happiness from the recognition. “I didn’t think anyone had read it,” he returns the book to the Chief Dreamer.

“Believe me, my friend, your dream came true. I believed, and I created the dream world. But I still let you down. And my dream became irreparably distorted. So, it should be me who laments and lives as a desperate hermit on a lonely hill amidst a black swamp.”

“Sorry, but I’m not giving this place up to anyone,” the free dreamer laughs cheerfully.

“It’s a pity you’ve both become so downhearted and desperate,” Eddie calls out confidently, sitting on the sofa by the wall. “The main idea of the books reached the right mind and soul. The dream world is created. And, like any other dream, your dreams have become slightly distorted. But not all is lost yet. The world is already created; all that remains is to make a few adjustments. And the good news is that we have an effective tool that can influence all the residents of the dream world. And everything will immediately fall into place,” the dream assistant reasons so confidently that the dreamers are afraid to interrupt his words for a second. “Leo! You can use words to create new miracles, to guide everyone onto the right path. And Manny, as the creator of the dream world and the Chief Dreamer, will suggest how best to execute everything to achieve the best result.”

“But Leo is a free dreamer,” Manny reminds him uncertainly. “You yourself said that such self-sufficient individuals don’t need assistants. And I won’t be able to be a good assistant. I didn’t even turn out to be a complete dreamer. My dreams are imperfect.”

“Then we all have something to strive for. And, luckily for you both, I’m a professional assistant. And don’t forget, I’ve already helped Leo.”

“By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask,” Manny looks at the free dreamer with interest. “What exactly was Eddie’s help?”

“When I was completely lost in choosing my next path at a crossroads in life, Eddie began to obsessively and persistently make me read various books, to observe people and their life situations carefully. In the end, I studied the main principles of human behavior and the fundamental concepts of life. And the books I read infuriated me with their writing style and lifeless soullessness. I wanted to create life itself for a better life. That’s how my books came to be,” the long-extinguished dream fire gradually lights up in the free dreamer’s eyes.

“And I declare with confidence and respect,” the Chief Dreamer says seriously and with a smile. “You, my dear friend, have created truly genuine, living masterpieces! Life itself lives in these books. Every story is more real than reality, no matter how fantastic it is. You can deservedly be proud of yourself.”

“I agree!” Eddie responds, smiling. “And this is you, dear Manny, who has only read a few of Leo’s books. You couldn’t read the rest, because he hasn’t even shown them to the world. Personally, I think we should convey the idea of a better life to everyone,” he looks thoughtfully at the shelf of living books.

“Yes! We’ll show your books to the entire dream world!” Manny exclaims with enthusiasm. “Let everyone know what living books are!”

“That’s impossible,” Leo whispers desperately.

“But you yourself taught us to make the impossible possible,” the Chief Dreamer reminds him with a satisfied smile. “And your strategy works!”

“And you can’t argue with that,” the free dreamer laughs, looking at the shelf with his books. “But don’t forget, introducing my books to the dream world will be incredibly difficult. And I’m not entirely sure we should do it yet.”

“Incredibly difficult, but possible!” Manny insists. “The main thing is to start, as you say in your book,” he respectfully strokes the worn cover.

“I don’t want to upset you, my dear friend,” Leo says uncertainly, glancing at Eddie for support. “Things in the dream world are somewhat worse than you’ve managed to notice.”

“How much worse?” Manny’s face changes abruptly.

“I think it’s better for you to find out everything yourself, so we don’t distort the facts,” Eddie suggests solicitously.

“Is it really that awful?” the Chief Dreamer begins to panic.

“Let’s just try introducing the dream world to my books,” the free dreamer suggests calmly. “And you’ll see everything yourself. Just one small request. Don’t forget, this is your dream. And you can change everything before it’s too late. And it’s never too late for a dream, after all. At worst, you can always dream again. And for now, just keep me company as a friend. I haven’t had guests in a long time. And I’ve never had friends at all.”

“With pleasure!” Eddie agrees, stepping out with Leo and Manny onto the balcony of the free dreamer’s lonely mansion on the sole hill amidst the calm, mirrored, and endless expanses of the black swamp.

“Every dream has a flip side,” the Chief Dreamer of the dream world whispers. “And I like this flip side,” he looks with a smile at the horizon, which connects the black swamp canvas and the sunset sky, saturated with unseen shades.

“My main dream lives here. Here, I’m always a free dreamer,” Leo whispers dreamily.

“All right,” the Chief Dreamer considers seriously. “And what prevented you from realizing your dream in your previous life, I mean in the ordinary world?”

“It’ll be easier to show you,” Leo takes one medium-sized book from the bookshelf. “Let’s go,” he calls the guests for a walk. He closes the dilapidated door of the free and lonely mansion.

“Won’t we need anything else?” Eddie looks with interest at the book in the free dreamer’s hand.

“Believe me, this will be too much already,” Leo laughs sadly, moving a lever hidden in the bushes on the edge of the swamp. Wide planks reappear in the black water, defining the path to the main dream world. “I was too hasty as it is. I should have taken one chapter, not one book.”

“That sounds a bit pessimistic,” Manny smiles slightly, following in the free dreamer’s footsteps.

“Where’s Eddie?!” Leo turns around sharply.

“Eddie?!” Manny immediately panics, seeing no sign of the dream assistant nearby.

“Eddie,” Leo says quietly, looking into the black abyss.

“Wait, I’m coming!” Manny prepares to jump into the black water, choosing a spot, trying to determine where his new friend’s last steps fell.

“No,” Leo whispers, gripping the Chief Dreamer’s shoulder.

“What do you mean, ‘no’?!” Manny exclaims indignantly. “I’m not leaving Eddie!” his impulses to dive in gain strength again.

“The black swamp is more terrifying than it seems,” the free dreamer explains calmly. “We’re surrounded by the waters of deep despair. You don’t just drown your body in them. When despair completely engulfs a person, their soul instantly chokes and turns black. It cannot be saved anymore. Apparently, our friend despaired.”

“But Eddie couldn’t have despaired!” the Chief Dreamer exclaims indignantly. “Eddie is the best dream assistant. He has enough optimism for all the dreamers.”

“He saw that we, two dreamers, had found each other. And he thought we didn’t need his help,” the free dreamer quietly speculates.

“But that’s not true!” Manny doesn’t stop protesting. “And besides! How do you know all this?!”

“I’ve lived among this swamp for a long time,” Leo sadly surveys the vast black expanses. “The swamp is constantly expanding and deepening. From the height of the beautiful tower in the center of the dream world, the world looks bright and rosy. Everyone is busy with their own affairs, bringing their desires to life. And no one notices the desperate dreamers who are leaving the dream world. All of them once came here and allowed despair to wash over them completely.”

“And you silently allowed them to drown in despair?” the Chief Dreamer is genuinely surprised.

“I once came to this swamp the same way. Back then, it was a lake that became murkier with every new desperate dreamer. Standing up to my neck in the dark water, I was getting ready to take the final step into the depths. From the shore, I heard Eddie’s warm voice. The despair all around almost boiled with indignation. Eddie literally pulled me out of the swamp of despair. The desire to live and create returned to me then. And most importantly, to help others fight despair and find their happiness, to make life better. I settled on the hill amidst the murky lake to meet the desperate dreamers and dissuade them from the worst fate. It worked at first. And the lake became clearer. But time passed. Despair in the dream world poisoned more and more thoughts. And more and more dreamers started appearing on the shore. I couldn’t talk them all out of it. While I talked to one, seven would go under the water completely. The number kept growing. And the moment came when I was utterly powerless. I couldn’t save even one dreamer. The lake darkened faster and faster. One day, the water turned black. The lake became a black swamp of despair. The hill became my home. And the swamp, just by its appearance, reminds me of my powerlessness. And it’s enough for me just to look and feel the despair inside. Dreamers used to come to the shore, think for a long time, and doubt. But now they leap headlong into the swamp, gaining momentum from the very center of the dream world.”

“I didn’t want this,” the creator of the dream world falls to his knees, looking into the mirrored surface of the black swamp of despair. Tears distort the reflection. “Eddie, forgive me. All my dreamer friends, please forgive me. I only wanted the best for you. For all of you. If you tell me to, I’ll dive in after you,” Manny’s impulse intensifies.

“They don’t want that,” Leo approaches, smiling. “Believe me, not a single dreamer blames anyone for their failures. Especially not you. You were the only one who helped. The ordinary world only hindered them. So, I know from experience that drowning in the swamp of despair on the outskirts of the dream world is much more pleasant than simply disappearing with pain in your soul in the ordinary world.”

“I don’t know,” Manny whispers distractedly, looking into the impenetrable water. “And why should I go anywhere at all if my dream didn’t save the dreamers?”

“The other dreamers are still alive and fighting for their dreams. And you fight, too. If you give up, what example will they see in your actions? Everyone will immediately realize that dreams are meaningless. If the Chief Dreamer of the entire dream world chose the black swamp of despair instead of the rainbow world of dreams, everyone will come here immediately to drown themselves. The entire dream world will drown in despair. The black swamp will become boundless.”

“Did you learn that from Eddie?” Manny smiles sadly, looking at the free dreamer.

“That too,” Leo smiles, helping the Chief Dreamer rise from his knees. “You know, there’s nothing surprising about Eddie’s action. That day, I already began to suspect that the dream assistant hadn’t come here to save me from despair. The desire to forget himself, to sink into oblivion, was visible in his eyes. The dreamers who came here before the day we met were acquainted with him. Apparently, Eddie realized he couldn’t help them with support. It was the collapse of his desires. And today, he realized he had helped both of us and left at the moment his cherished dream came true.”