Written for Violet’s Quote Challenge where she
has asked us to include the following quote into
our writing: “If you’re happy in a dream, does
that count?” Here’s my response to the challenge.
Miles wore the big red suit for three Decembers, the polyester scratching his neck while children screamed their demands. Before that, telemarketing. Before that, security guard. Before that, things he’d rather not remember. Each job a transaction: his hours for their money, joy never factored into the equation.
He lived for sleep and prayed for the dream: He’s always thirty-two again, standing in the kitchen of the apartment he shared with Hannah before the miscarriage, before the drinking, before she left. Sunlight cuts through the window at that precise angle. She’s laughing at something he said … he never remembers what … and she’s wearing his old t-shirt, the Ramones one, and nothing else. He reaches for her and she’s solid, warm, real. They make love against the counter, and afterward she whispers that thing she used to whisper, and his chest doesn’t feel hollow.
Some nights the dream lasts hours. Some nights, seconds. He tried sleeping pills to stay asleep longer. They gave him nothing, just black static. He tried therapy, tried “moving on”, tried dating. But why would he want to move on? In the dream, she’s still there. In the dream, they’re still possible.
Miles works his shifts, pays his rent, and waits for night.
If you’re happy in a dream, does that count?
Why bother asking? The answer doesn’t matter anymore.
NAR©2025
This is “In Dreams” by Roy Orbison
All text and graphics are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
To sleep, perchance to dream. If that’s what brings the only joy you know, why not?
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Choose your pleasures where ye may. “Why not?” exactly.
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The choices we make…..Great response to the prompt.
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That’s it exactly, Heather. It all comes down to choices. Thanks very much.
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You’re welcome.
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great story and Yes … It counts.. “If you’re happy in a dream, does that count?”
Great song pairing, Nancy! XX
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Thanks so much, Cindy. I’m glad to know you liked both story and song.
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You’re so very welcome, Nancy! I sure did!!! xx
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Engaging piece and prompt question, that you developed so beautifully! 👏🏻
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Thank you, Michele. I appreciate your comments. I’m delighted to know you enjoyed my post today.
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Dreams are fascinating reminders of past times and future longing. Beautiful song to accompany this haunting story.
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Thanks for leaving such a lovely comment, Ernie. I hope all your dreams are pleasant ones. I love Roy Orbison; his voice gives me goosebumps.
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Oh perfect song for this sad but beautiful response to the prompt.
What a voice! Always one of my favorites.
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Thank you so much, D. I got a kick out of Lois’ comment a few minutes ago, where she said Roy Orbison makes everything either better or worse, she’s not sure which. I get where she’s coming from. I do love his voice. The big O.
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Definitely one of a kind!
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Some dreams never end
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Very true.
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This is sad…poor Miles. Roy Orbison either makes everything better or worse. I cannot decide. But, gosh, I love his voice. Good one, Nancy.
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Fabulous comments about Roy Orbison, Lois. I know exactly what you mean. Thanks so much.
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Great write, N. I have one of those dreams, but it doesn’t cum around as often as it used to. Thanks for sharing.
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😂 😂 Ron, I truly get where you’re coming from. Keep on dreaming!
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a wonderful story you are so talented at storytelling Nance! 🫶🫶
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And you are a delight, dear CA. Thank you for a very lovely comment. I’m glad you enjoyed my little Christmas story.
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Nancy, this is so meaningful to me. I have certain reoccurring dreams that I enjoy more than life itself. Thank you so much for sharing your inspiration- and make it coincide so nicely with my world.
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You are very fortunate to have those dreams; I’m sure they carry you through the day. I’m glad you enjoyed my story and you were able to relate to it. Thanks so much, Jodi.
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Oh gosh … I won’t say too much about my dreamworld … it’s surreal, and a great source of where my writings originate. … your story is very relatable my friend …
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A superb song and sincerely sweet comment, dear Ivor. It’s a sentimental time of year for many of us. I hope your dreams continue to inspire your writing for a long time to come. Thank you, my friend..
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My absolute pleasure my friend and another of poems is just around the corner 📘📚😍🌏💕
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So sad Nancy … So beautifully written and unfortunately an often repeated life … The song is a perfect match 💜💜💜
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Dear Willow, I hope you have nothing but sweet dreams. Thank you, sis.
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Thank you Sis and I wish you the very same 💜💜💜
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A very sad story Nancy
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Yes, I guess it is. Many of us become sentimental over the holidays. That is true life, my dear friend. Thank you.
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Indeed it is. You’re welcome 😉
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The poor man but no doubt of his own making.
I love Roy Orbison. My best friend when I was 10 or so, his brother had a lot of Roy Orbison LP’s and we started playing them and were wowed by his voice
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We reap what we sow.
Roy is a pure delight to listen to, whether in the early days with his group, in his solo work, and with the Traveling Wilburys. He has one of those immediately recognizable voices and I love hearing him sing. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Brian.
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