DR. MATHIASON: I think it's because... I've just been so tired... I just shut down at night.
Dr. Mathiason gazes off into the trees. The girl watches him.
DR. MATHIASON: I'm sort of realizing just how hard my job is.
GIRL: What do you do?
DR. MATHIASON: I'm a... psychologist of sorts. I inspect people's minds.
GIRL: That sounds like a noble pursuit.
DR. MATHIASON: Recently I've been wondering just how noble it is...
GIRL: Well, I bet you do great work. In fact, maybe you don't dream because you have already found your calling.
Dr. Mathiason squirms uncomfortably.
GIRL: Maybe you're in a place where you can do some real good.
DR. MATHIASON: Perhaps.
The girl smiles. The most pure smile he could remember.
Before he could stop himself, Dr. Mathiason extends his hand.
DR. MATHIASON: My name is Dr. Mathiason, by please call me Eric.
The girl looks at his hand and her brow furrows.
DR. MATHIASON: Um... Is there a problem?
GIRL: I... I don't think I have a name...
A bit drops in the doctor's stomach.
DR. Oh! Err... Well technically you have the designation 7AR4006.218...
He trails off to the lost look on her face. He coughs.
DR. MATHIASON: Um... What about "Zara"?
ZARA: Zara...?
DR. MATHIASON: —the letters kind of look like 7AR4—
ZARA: I like it!
Zara extends her hand in mimic of the Doctor. The pure smile had returned.
ZARA: It's very nice to meet you, Dr. Mathiason.
Dr. Mathiason smiles back. They clasp hands.
–––––
Dr. Mathiason stands.
ZARA: Will I see you again?
DR. MATHIASON: I'm not sure... But I have a feeling you will be waking up soon.
The wind rustles the cherry trees, the sun setting on the dream they shared.
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