“Sir, I had a dream. I was sitting on a high cliff. Something was pushing, urging me to jump.”
“Did you?”
Bevan hesitated, “Yes, but I woke safe in bed.”
“Falling is a common dream. Is something worrying you?”
“My dad has cancer. If I’d been better behaved…”
Bevan’s teacher was reassuring, “Events can happen over which we have no control. This isn’t your fault.”
With further counselling and an offer to talk whenever needed, Bevan left happier. The teacher’s own memories of childhood flooded back to a time when someone cared enough to tell him it wasn’t his fault.
This graphic was the photo prompt on the 100WCGU site.
Ross's Writing Blog 
enterprisegran
September 25, 2012 at 23:32
That’s lovely. Part of the reason why I loved being a teacher.
Ross Mannell
September 26, 2012 at 00:03
Thanks for the comment.
Over the years, I’ve had to help children understand events weren’t their fault. When young, they still have the idea events are somehow linked to what they do even if we, as adults, know otherwise.
Rachael 'Honest' Blair
September 26, 2012 at 00:52
Lovely story. Poor Bevan. Children do think they have the power to change things (or to have changed them) don’t they? I guess sometimes that’s a good thing but in this case… If only all teachers were so thoughtful.
Ross Mannell
October 6, 2012 at 08:07
Thanks for the comment.
As a teacher, I have had to reassure children who have seen family problems and blame themselves. The time spent with them has always included reassuring them it wasn’t their fault. They take things to heart and believe “if only I” but don’t we, as adults, sometimes feel the same way?
Delft
September 26, 2012 at 01:29
Nice one.
People do tell us it’s not our fault, though I’m not sure it helps. Do we really believe it is our fault, or do we just regret that we couldn’t help?
Ross Mannell
October 6, 2012 at 08:14
Thanks for the comment.
It’s a hard lesson to realise no matter what we might have done or wanted to do, events can happen beyond our control. Guilt comes into play. The story is linked to real encounters I’ve had with children over the years.
Older Mum (@Older_Mum)
September 26, 2012 at 02:01
Really nice take on the prompt – I used to have falling dreams – they were really quite scary!
Ross Mannell
October 6, 2012 at 08:24
Thanks for the comment.
I’ve heard many explanations for the falling experience in dreams. Some say the spirit has had an out of body experience and has suddenly returned. I tend more towards the more empirical explanations and wonder if there is something worrying the person. Just an opinion.
Midlife Singlemum
September 26, 2012 at 03:26
I remember having falling dreams. Apparently you have to wake up before you hit the ground as you can’t die in your dreams. I like your message.
Ross Mannell
October 6, 2012 at 08:27
Thanks for the comment.
I like your explanation. When I’ve woken to such an experience, I’ve found myself sometimes grabbing hold of the bed to break my fall. It’s an interesting experience and makes me wonder why it’s happened.
The Writers Village
September 26, 2012 at 09:35
You are the the “father knows best” of the blog world. Always nice, understanding and tone sensitive material. Thanks, Randy
Ross Mannell
October 6, 2012 at 08:29
Thanks for the comment.
Years of working with young children in schools has had an influence. As a teacher, you have to sometimes deal very sensitively with issues that can be heart-breaking.
CoffeeCurls
September 27, 2012 at 02:51
Oh that’s made me feel sad. It’s good that Bevan had an understanding teacher who could see through the obvious. Great take on the prompt.
Ross Mannell
October 6, 2012 at 08:31
Thanks for the comment.
While Bevan isn’t real, I have had to deal with similar real life issues with children. Kind words and reassurance can make a big difference to young lives.