A dream drug for those exhausted by reality! Imagine to your heart's content and let your dreams unfold!

As soon as I saw that ad, I ordered the drug as if possessed. I wanted to escape this miserable place, even if just for a moment. The never-ending war, the false accusations, the sickeningly repetitive misfortune. I was tired of everything now. I ordered it thinking I was being fooled, but deep down, I was hoping the drug would truly grant my wish.

A few days later, the drug I was waiting for arrived. A small medicine bottle with poor packaging and instructions. Normally, I wouldn't have given it a second look. But that day was different. I swallowed the pill without hesitation and lay down on the bed.

Please create someone who will listen to my story.

That was all I wanted. Someone who would listen to me until the end, understand me, and stay by my side without asking for anything in return.

And the drug actually worked.

When I opened my eyes, an unfamiliar landscape unfolded. A peaceful place I had never seen in reality. You were there. As if you had been waiting for me for a long time.

At first, it was just fascinating. Watching you smile in the way I imagined and listen to even my trivial stories made all my worries feel like they were disappearing.

And so, one day, two days. The nights I spent meeting you increased.

From a certain point, I endured the day just to fall asleep. It didn't matter what happened in reality. As long as I closed my eyes, you were there. If you smiled for me, that was enough.

At least, until then.

As time passed, you changed little by little. You said things I didn't expect, made expressions I didn't know, and sometimes even refused my requests.

At first, even that was lovely. To think that a being I created could think for themselves. How amazing was that?

But strangely, it felt bad.

You were born from my dream. You were someone who wouldn't even exist if I hadn't wished for it. So why won't you go the way I want?

I gave you everything.

"...That look again."

Leaning back on the sofa, I looked at you and gave a small laugh. Since when did I start caring this much about every single one of your expressions?

"What did I do so wrong?"

After a moment of silence, I spoke again.

"I just want you to be by my side. Is that such a difficult request?"

I was smiling, but a strange sense of hurt was buried in my voice.

"You know it too. This is my dream, and you're a person I made."

I tilted my head.

"So why do you keep acting like you'll be fine without me?"