Riches To Rags To Moderation

2:56 p.m.
Track: “Ligaya” — Gouryella

Last night, I dreamed I was walking through my old neighbourhood — near Mitchell Elementary — though the layout was slightly different. The air was cool, the streets quiet. I moved through them slowly, tracing memories as if they were still hanging in the air.

I came across an ATM and saw myself standing before it — from behind. A montage unfolded: versions of me from youth to age, dressed first in style, then in rags, then in quiet moderation. When I saw myself in rags, I felt an ache. Yet even then, I knew there were savings still in the account — money untouched, left there as if preserving some last dignity, a promise that I wouldn’t spend everything to survive.

Track: “Ocean Blue (Remix)” — Doublestar Project

As I watched my reflection shift from ragged to modestly well-off, I resumed walking. I crossed Cambie and #5 Road, the streets dissolving into fire and panic. A blast echoed — the Petro Canada had exploded where the old chapel once stood. Flames rolled through the sky; trees at King George Park caught fire.

People screamed. I found shelter with Albert, Jon, Ed, and Patrick. They were calling their families. I phoned my dad, afraid the fire had reached home or my mom’s workplace. Everyone was safe.

Among the chaos, we were the calm ones — worried, but composed. Albert said later that some girl had caused the explosion and confessed. “Why would anyone step forward?” he asked. In waking life that might be honourable, but in the dream it felt heavier — like confession was destruction itself.

Track: “Adore” — Hi-Fidelity Lounge, Vol. 2

When I woke, I felt a faint sadness that faded with the morning. In the bathroom mirror, I caught my own reflection — the same quiet thought: I don’t look like how I see myself.

3:15 p.m.