This dream looks harmless enough. And yet, we are prepared: Justin, Master Mind, and Charlie are all ready to protect Joy should something happen. And then there’s me, the excess baggage who can’t protect anyone. 

We exit Charlie’s elevator in this new dream. This is a city street. People are walking around harmlessly, and no danger seems to be about. The chatter on the street appears to be German. Are we in Germany? I’m not sure. 

“That’s the center,” Justin points to a two-story building with glass walls. Inside, we can see a gym. “Let’s go!” 

We enter the gym, and although there are quite a few people working out, the man in the middle of the room is the one with the Dreamer’s shadow.

“Let’s see what he does,” Justin says. Joy and Charlie nod. 

The man is caucasian, has curly black hair, seems around Justin’s age, and is quite muscular. From his T-shirt and shorts it’s easy to see his arm muscles bulging. 

“How does he get around like that?” Charlie says. “It’s like he’s twice his own size.” 

Joy nods. So do I. The man is not taller than me, but he is huge. We observe.

The man walks up to an area with Olympic-looking barbells. He stands in front of one of the heavier ones, and with great effort begins to lift it. Roaring, he succeeds in lifting it above his head. He shouts and lets it go in front of him. The barbells fall to the floor, which apparently is built for that. 

“Hmmm,” Justin smiles a cunning smile. “I want to do it, too!” 

He steps up to the Dreamer, and gestures at the same barbell. The Dreamer nods and gives Justin some space. 

Justin copies the man’s stance from a minute ago. He stretches his arms, then bends down to hold the barbell. 

He roars, unable to lift it. Then, he stands up again, looks at the barbell, and reaches down with his right hand only. 

With one hand, and no effort at all, he lifts the barbell above his head and smiles a big smile. 

He lowers his hand as if the barbell weighs nothing, and offers it to the Dreamer. 

The Dreamer looks at it, uncomprehending. He reaches for the barbell with both arms. Then, as soon as Justin lets go, the barbell drops and the Dreamer falls with it to the floor. 

The Dreamer is unhurt - this is his Dream after all. 

“Joy, Charlie,” Justin calls them. “Want to try?” 

Of course they want to try. 

(To be continued…)

—Told by Grampa Walt