The One With the 9/9/19 Attacks

Date: 9/19/2019

I walk into my house to two new dogs and remember that my family has decided to euthanize Sneaker. For some reason, they decided to do the same with Penny. I am beyond shocked that my dad would let this happen. I just keep picturing Penny in the living room with my dad smiling at her ... I’m hovering above the ground in a tunnel (that’s supposed to be in New Jersey) that’s completely covered — ceiling to floor — in license plates. I find the light orange one that’s mine (it says “Coley” on it) and remember how this one is a replacement for the original. Suddenly, I’m on the floor with my mom and Holly. My mom is trying to plan our trip to California, but Holly tells her that we shouldn’t go because there are attacks “being planned on 9/9/19.” I vaguely recall hearing about this and realize that it’s “the perfect date” for an attack. I tell my mom that we should probably listen, but she just rolls her eyes ... I’m at home with Brody, Kailyn and Brianna. We’re in what must be my parents’ room (it’s set up completely differently — a futon where the bed is, a VHS TV in the corner). We start eating popcorn out of bowls on the couch, and then I see that there’s a whole vase full of popcorn on the floor. We’re getting ready to watch a VHS tape of The Sixth Sense when I remember that I’ve had a dream about losing Sneaker and Penny (so I guess I had a dream within a dream?). I go to tell Brianna, but realize it will only upset her. Renee suddenly appears, and the previews start. The first one starts off with explosions, and then flashes to Josh Hutcherson. I come to the realization that in this movie, Josh Hutcherson is playing twins — a blond and a brunette. I realize that I like him better as a blond (probably because of Peeta). The twins are evidently rockstars, and the brunette starts playing “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry on guitar. Renee, Brianna and I are freaking out with excitement but also laughing at how bad it looks. I go into the kitchen with my mom and start cutting up tons of strawberries. I keep slicing through the foam plates I’m cutting them on and I think about how I need to double up or everyone will be covered in juice. My mom mentions that she has to go to the Mexico dinner, and I ask if she’s going to get a margarita. She just says, “Ya!“ I make myself an icy orange juice drink (that might be alcoholic) and go to take a sip of it. I look up, and Blane is sitting in a chair in the corner looking amazed at something I’ve just done. As I go to take a sip, he says, “Wow.“