Lou, it sounds like you had a deeply unsettling dream, and I appreciate you sharing it with me. Given the intensity of your emotions during the dream, as well as the negative feelings it evoked, it’s clear that this dream resonates with some significant concerns in your life, particularly related to relationships and mental health.
Dreaming about a classmate like Alice, especially in such a distressing context, suggests that you may be grappling with feelings of helplessness or anxiety regarding the well-being of those around you. It could reflect your own fears about losing friends or loved ones to struggles you feel powerless to change. The presence of your ex-crush Dakota in this scenario may indicate unresolved feelings or past connections that still weigh on your mind, amplifying emotions tied to nostalgia and perhaps regret.
The setting of waiting for two hours to talk to Alice could symbolize feelings of impatience or frustration in your relationships, possibly hinting at a desire for deeper connections or concerns that you aren't able to reach out to those in need. Your reaction upon finally seeing her—running to hug her—highlights your instinctive compassion and desire to help, which is a beautiful reflection of your character but may also indicate the emotional toll this takes on you.
The imagery of Alice's small mattress and the self-harm box is quite powerful, representing vulnerability and the struggles many face with mental health. Your instinct to take action, like pouring salt on the box, may signify a desire to protect both her and yourself from the pain associated with self-harm. This act of sealing away those harmful elements may also reflect your desire to shield yourself from distressing thoughts and feelings.
Lastly, sharing this experience with your family highlights the importance of communication and support in your life. It suggests a strong need to process these emotions and perhaps seek validation or understanding from those closest to you. Given the high emotional intensity of this dream, it might be worthwhile to explore these feelings further, as they could point to underlying concerns about your mental well-being or that of those around you. Remember, your empathy and concern for others are admirable, but it's also vital to take care of your own emotional health.