Getting my bike back.

[Hilary]

I'm walking through a parade of some sort. Foggy memory here, but feelings were pleasant and amused. Then I get to the jail. I am trying to get my bicycle out of it. There is a person with me, but they don't see a way to do it. I see a tiny area I can slip under the bars (just barely). I do so, then grab my orange bike, and put it over the bars (apparently the bars were low enough to get my bike over). I am carrying my 2 memory foam mattress pads with me. I start riding my bike down the street to get out of there. I notice the front tire is slashed open..my bike still rides okay (amazingly). I get to a dark tunnel. I go in, fear... being chased now by some men from the previous intersection? There is a bobcat in the tunnel. I see it, it acknowledges me, then darts off. I go through the tunnel, managing to evade the chasing men by using a ledge to my advantage. I get out with my bike, but I have to leave the memory foam mattresses behind. I feel confident that I can come back to them later, and leave a little rope in the doorway to keep it from locking me out. Once on the other side, a male friend of mine (who is gay) hands me a knife as a gift. He means it for protection, I think, but tells me I can use it for anything I might need it for. For some reason, after this, I had a thought in my head upon waking "That's not right..?" (RL connections.. I am a mother of 2, soon to be going through a divorce from an unhealthy marriage. I got separated and moved out, but I don't like my new apartment, and am staying mostly at my parents right now. I am scared about my future. In college, trying to make it so I can be independent. I'm finding continuous reasons lately to be afraid. There are odors in my apartment and the HOA plumber is going to come out and check things out (it intermittently smells like an acrid oil refinery in the bathroom). But lately, I find myself worrying from the likely culprit of sewer gas to the upstairs neighbors having a meth lab to this place being a former meth lab... it's hilarious, I know. But I can't seem to not be afraid. Anyways... thank you for reading this. It helps to just get this off my chest and perhaps hear some sane advice.)

[Hilary]

I wanted to post my idea of this dream's meaning, but would still appreciate any other insight if inspired. Athanor, if you get the chance to look this over, I'd love feedback on how you think my interpretation fits with your own knowledge. Parade in the street (???) The jail with my bike in it.. (may reflect my previous marriage. It had an unhealthy power dynamic, bike could represent my freedom and autonomy). Friend didn't see a way to get the bike (there is an aspect of myself that didn't see any way out; self-defeating, lack of confidence.) After grabbing my bike, I saw the bars of the jail were lower than I had thought. (It was easier to get out than I had expected. Maybe my standards on a partner are too low) Next: driving down the road with a slashed front tire (there is something making things more difficult for me to proceed). Yet... despite this, I am somehow managing smoothly. (I'm doing okay despite having some setbacks). I get to a dark tunnel... men chasing me. See a bobcat... (not sure what this is exactly representing, maybe moving to my own place.) I get out using a ledge. (???) Had to leave the memory foam mattresses behind. (Leaving life of comfort behind). Left a rope to try and keep the door from locking. (On good terms with my ex). Gay friend offering me a knife for protection (??? maybe my father offering me protection at his house? Not understanding the connection between my friend and my father, though).