313. A dream or not

I freeze with shock. My eyes widen, seriously probing into Lily's own and silently asking if what, or who I just heard spoke wasn't imagined. Am I dreaming? Could all these, including the conversation I just had with Lily, be a dream?

She smiles gently as she nods her head, silently assuring me it's not my imagination and I'm not in dreamland. I swallow down the lump that seems to be clogging my throat as I slowly turn around.

A sob escapes from my mouth the moment I see her standing with her hands on her hips like she's ready to take on any challenge. She still looks the same, if not younger. Her salt and pepper hair is neatly coiffed as usual with no strand out of place.

"Martha! Oh, my god! Is it really you!? You're not dead! It is indeed you!" I exclaim in disbelief as I rush towards her.

"No, wait!" She hastily says, raising her hand to stop me from coming towards her any further.

Wait!? But why?

Different assumptions start running through my mind right then as she stops me,

W