Soldier

I had a dream last night. In that dream I was ten years old again. I was sitting cross-legged on a beautiful green grass field under a cherry tree. But I wasn't alone. In that dream I was surrounded by my tiny green army soldiers. They were the present that mom gave me for my 9th birthday. And the best part of all, they all came to life just like in Toys Story which I'd recently watched again from my old CD collections. As they gathered around me, I felt as if I was transformed into a giant. They all seemed so happy to see me except for one which was my favourite, Lt Bridge. All of a sudden, Lt Bridge commanded "Attention!" and every other soldiers hurried to their lines.

"Do you know why you are here?", asked Lt Bridge to myself.

"I am not sure.", I answered him as I watched him walking to and fro.

"It's because you aren't happy. Do you understand."

"What do you mean I am not.." but before I could finish my line Lt Bridge said out loud, "Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes Sir..", I said slowly.

"DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!"

"CRYSTAL!!" He stared at me a few seconds before he continued to speak again in his military manner.

"Remember when General (aka my dad) scolded you because you didn't finish your homework. What did you do after that? [pause] Let me answered you that question myself. You played with 'us'. [pause] And remember when Major (aka my mom) scolded you because you lied to her about being sick so that you could stay home to watch your favourite cartoon. Tell me, what did you do after that? [pause] Let me help you to answer it again. You played with 'us'. And so as the many other times when you are unhappy", said Lt Bridge in his husky and stern voice. "SO tell me, what is it this time?", he continued.

"I don't know Sir. I really don't.", I answered him.

"That's not the answer I want to hear from you young man. Answer the question!"

I tried to think deeper and I realised that lately I AM unhappy. I have few problems at work.

"So I see you began to realise your problems now.", Lt Bridge said breaking the momentary silence. I didn't reply anything. He began to speak again, but this time in a softer manner.

"You see son, this is not your real world. WE are not real. We are just green coloured polymer which later moulded into our many forms. In this dream world, you can never be hurt by anyone and that is why it is call 'dream'. And because WE aren't real, you could also never be hurt by us - emotionally. It is our sole purpose as toys to make you happy. But this dream world never last forever. And sooner or later you'll be bored by us.", he paused. "Being hurt and recovering is all part of your REAL life. It is not made to weaken you but to train you into a better man. If there was no sorrow and pain in your world, then you people would never cherished and understand the meaning of joy and happiness."

"I understand everything you are trying to tell me Sir. Actually, I have understand it Sir.", I finally said.

"So wake up now.", Lt Bridge said with a smile on his face.

And I was awake...