Taylor,
The dream you had seems rich in symbolism and reflects a variety of emotions and experiences that are likely quite relevant to your current life stage. Being in your college room at the start of the dream suggests that you are in a familiar environment, one in which you're comfortable and in control. The presence of a known but distant romantic interest might indicate a contemplation of opportunities and desires in your relationships, as well as the complexities of college dating dynamics.
The secrecy of the initial interactions with this neighbor could symbolize hidden aspects of your own emotions or a relationship that you may want to keep private. The transition to him dating someone else and your passive-aggressive reaction might reveal feelings of jealousy or rejection that you may be dealing with, or perhaps a fear of missed connections and the ensuing emotional aftermath. This could also imply a struggle between personal desires and social expectations or norms.
The large old wardrobe and its mysterious hole feel like classic dream metaphors for discovering the unknown or delving into the subconscious. The disappearance and reappearance of the wardrobe could represent the fleeting nature of opportunities or the ever-changing dynamics of personal relationships and how they can impact your sense of stability or reality.
Caleb's appearance as the person who accompanies you into the unknown suggests a switch to a more comfortable and platonic relationship dynamic. Your conversation about his parents and your shared interest in caves might be reflecting your own exploration of personal interests and the bonding over common experiences.
The horror elements, such as your caution in the cave due to scary movies, and the silhouette of a figure crunching something, can indicate anxiety about the unknown. These might be tied to real-life fears or worries, particularly about venturing into new experiences, despite an adventurous spirit. The fact that the emotions level was low in this dream despite it being a nightmare could suggest that these fears are not overwhelming but are still present in your subconscious.
Finally, the last part where you find yourself on a ledge, assessing the risk with Caleb, might symbolize a pivotal moment in life where you're weighing your options and considering taking a leap of faith, with the awareness that there are risks involved. Your protective instinct toward Caleb suggests a sense of responsibility you might feel towards friends or loved ones in your waking life.
Overall, the dream seems to encapsulate themes of exploration, relationship dynamics, and personal growth, which are all incredibly relevant to someone navigating their way through the college years. The challenges you face in the dream could mirror those in your waking life, where you're learning about your own strengths, facing fears, and considering how to move forward in various aspects, especially in relationships and personal development.