I stare off into space, thoughts churning into a swirling abyss as my eyes glass over and my mind wanders into thoughts of laughter, memories of a happiness I would never feel again. I drift through the endless corridors of bittersweet memories until I think of nothing at all, and the world slowly comes back into focus. 

Blinking in confusion, I glance around. For this is not the reality I had been dreaming of moments before. But alas, it would always be the one I'd live, and I sigh, rubbing my eyes. Rubbing away my hopes and dreams, plans for a future that would prove to be just as mundane as this miserable life I lead. 

I had been a fool to dream.