The Dream Shop

It was a large store with a shiny sign reading HYPERMARKE T. Despite the late hour, many people were passing through the entrance. Some were entering, others were already leaving, their eyes glued to the receipt, wondering if they'd overpaid for any of the items.

Tomek was one of the few customers who hadn't planned on stocking up for the weekend. He went there more to browse, hoping he might find something interesting, or perhaps stumble upon some sale on audio equipment he hadn't yet heard about.

Inside, the fluorescent lights glowed brighter than the stars outside, their dull rays illuminating various advertisements and prices. Most of the products gleamed, reflecting the bright light from the ceiling, beckoning people to make a purchase. Tomek stopped at a newspaper stand. He'd read a bit about music before continuing his journey through the promotions and massive price reductions on cheap products.

He picked up a "Świat Muzyki dla Ciebie" magazine and eagerly leafed through it. For as long as he could remember, he'd always wanted to be one of them. He wanted to be a singer, just like them. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. Like so many others, he didn't fulfill his dream. He didn't know at what point in his life he'd strayed from the path leading to his dream. Or perhaps he'd never found himself on the path leading to it? He didn't think about it anymore; he knew it would remain just his dream, known only to his closest friends, unless, of course, they hadn't forgotten it.

Three hours passed before he'd perused several music magazines and learned interesting facts about the lives of those fortunate enough to achieve what they'd dreamed of since childhood. Sometimes he'd look up from the page and wonder what his life would be like if he succeeded? Would it be what he imagined, looking at the painfully embellished photos of his idols? Would he have a beautiful villa, fast cars, and would that truly bring him happiness and joy to his family? The worst part was that he'd probably never know.

He chose the magazine that most interested him, bought a few more small items, and headed to the checkout. He found the one with the fewest people and waited patiently for the line to shorten and for him to approach the conveyor belt so he could unload his basket. Several people stood in front of him. They were young people. They were buying various things. Some were buying alcohol... well, the weekend was approaching, others were buying some kind of record player, the very latest technology. Right in front of him stood a little boy. He was turning a small box over in his hands. It was a computer game. He was delighted and probably couldn't wait to play it in his little world, his room, far from the hustle and bustle, his little problems, and far from his... dreams. The boy reminded him of himself when he was young...

"Ah..." he sighed, "how many people trade their dreams for such brief, illusory moments of joy." He thought, realizing he'd once done something similar... "

Good morning," the cashier greeted him when it was finally his turn to pay for the goods.

"Good evening," he replied with a smile. Indeed, it had been dark for several hours.

The woman responded with a friendly look and began adding up the prices of the products. When the NEXT CUSTOMER sign appeared on the conveyor belt, she added everything up, and a round sum appeared on the small display. Before demanding payment, however, she asked a question...

"Would you like to fulfill your dreams?"

"Excuse me?

" "Would you like to buy your dreams?" she asked again. "Today we have a promotion. You want to be a singer, right?"

"How do you know?!" Tomek was stunned. The situation seemed shocking, to say the least.

"Sir... you pay here," the woman stated. I don't have the time or obligation to explain everything to each and every one of you individually. It would take too long, and the customers are waiting. I'm just asking, are you interested in achieving your dream?

Tomek looked around. Even though a large line had already formed behind him, no one seemed surprised by the situation. They were probably too busy with their own affairs to listen to their conversation.

The man was a bit flustered by all this. However, he didn't hesitate. He had nothing to lose, and much to gain.

"Yes, I want my dreams back," he replied to the pleasant cashier, "and since childhood, I've wanted to be a singer, although I have no idea how you knew that." As he spoke, he wondered if the people behind him thought he was crazy or were just beginning to listen to the whole situation.

"Okay," the saleswoman replied.

"How much will it cost?" the man asked, still not fully believing what had happened. "

Quite a bit. Nothing, really. You just have to do one thing." I'll get up and we'll sing together the song "BY THE LIVING M." It's your favorite, right? "

You hit the nail on the head," Tomek replied, "but did I understand correctly? Are I… or rather, are we," he corrected himself, "supposed to sing out loud now, here? In front of all these people?

" "Yes, exactly. That's how much your dream costs.

" "Well, yes… but what if they don't like it?" he hesitated. "If they start laughing, don't understand… I'd be mortified. Besides… I've never sung in front of anyone…

" "It doesn't matter. There has to be a first time. If you want, I can go first."

"No, wait a minute," he hesitated. "You can sing beautifully; my performance might sound much worse… I wouldn't want to embarrass myself… Do you understand?"

The man began to come up with a thousand reasons why he would never dare to fulfill his dream, the very thing that gave his life meaning. The cashier tried to explain that it wasn't that difficult, that all he had to do was try, believe, be persistent, and above all, want it, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Finally, after a few minutes, when other customers began to demand their rights, he gave up, refusing to buy his dream.

He paid for the magazine, two bottles of beer he'd bought for the evening, and left the store. He headed toward the video rental store, wondering what movie he'd like to watch tonight. The thought crossed his mind: had he ever wanted to be an actor when he was a child?