Black chips

April 20, 2023

In my dream, I felt lost, like a leaf blown by the wind. Everyone around me was rushing, trying to scrape together a few bucks, busy with their own struggles, many wanting to break free from life on the streets.


I dreamt of Kaila Skye. I headed downtown, parked near a bar, and sold a car seat to get by. I left my car and walked to m&h. There, I saw Kaila and shared with her that I’m not always strong, just a person like everyone else. She told me, “You’re strong,” and kept working while we talked. I stayed close, watching her in action. She drove to her next stop, pulled out a seat, and sold it to an old man. Then, she sold some black paper to a rugged biker who looked like he had seen a lot in life.


We ran into Tereasa Dale, who had some things to trade. She pulled out her black coins and black paper to show the biker. It seemed like everyone was trying to sell something. Kaila was busy cleaning up and organizing her stuff.


We made our way to a bar that held a 12-step program. People there used black chips to mark their journey. Terry took out her items to show to a biker, and Kaila told her to just sell the black paper. Terry replied, “Oh, okay, I don’t even know what I have.”


Kaila and I carried on, and at one point, I asked for a ride back to my car. I texted my husband to let him know I was at the dry bar, and he was understanding. I spotted Shawn, who looked busy and a bit worn down but was managing. Kaila disappeared from view.


As Shawn went about his business, we walked past Gloria a few times, stopping to check in with her. She was sitting by a fence with a family member who seemed lost in his own head from the drugs. I tried to say hello, but he was too far gone. Glo said, “Yeah, he’s been gone for a while.”


We kept moving, and Shawn assured me we would find my car. He even got us a ride with a tow truck to where I thought I’d parked.


For some reason, the area felt like a maze, and I couldn’t find my car anywhere.


And that’s how my dream ended.


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