Tom looks uncertain about the future. There’s maybe a crossroads in his life. Everything just looks hopeless and he’s not sure where he is heading, he is perhaps looking for someone or something. He’s maybe been caught in an abusive relationship. He needs time to think, but the thoughts that he is getting are all negative thoughts " you’re no good and you will never amount to anything. He’s wondering if he can make it on his own to have a fresh start. He’s walking around in fear, the umbrella thing is him hiding from his home circumstances, beneath a mask, you only see the back of him, not what is going on in the front.
When he’s outside he feels safe because the street is empty, there’s quietness and stillness in the street and there’s nothing that come at him at the moment. He feels quite free just to walk in the middle of the road. He is thinking of perhaps if he could see a friend and talk about what he’s feeling and get support for what’s going on. He’s a bit apprehensive about being able to get the confidence to knock on that person’s front door. He’s rooted to the ground because his heart is racing and he feels a panic attack coming on. He feels like everything is hopeless in his life.
Eventually, the sun breaks through the clouds and this changes Tom’s outlook on his mood. He’s feeling in a bit more relaxed and positive frame of mind and he plucks up the courage to knock on his friend’s door. Minutes later he arrives at number 2 Rutland Square, he walks up the path and gives a big loud knock on the door. Immediately, the door opened. Sam, a tall looking, slim, good looking male smiled at him and asked him: “are you okay?” Tom looked at him and replied “no”. His friend said: “come in, shall I put the kettle on?” He went through to make some coffee, while Tom gathered his thoughts together. Tom is beginning to feel rather anxious again and it’s getting late and he knew that he would be in trouble at home. Ten minutes later, the coffee and biscuits were ready. Sam said to Tom, “come and sit by here, I’ll pour the coffee and if you like, you can share your story, I’m a good listener. Tom gulped some coffee down and he felt a lump appear in his throat, he coughed violently and slowly began his story. The conversation took at least half an hour and Tom felt relieved that he was able to confide in his friend. He glanced at the clock and his friend asked him: “Would you not like to stay the night and have time to think about things? You’re welcome to have the spare room.” Tom hesitated for a moment, but he was glad to take up the offer, so he lay his head down on the pillow, he fell asleep and when he woke up, it was early next morning. He woke up from a rather strange dream. He woke up in his own bed and he realised that the whole thing had just been a bad dream.