Debra, your dream is an intense and vivid portrayal of fear, protection, and resilience. The presence of a family next door who abuses their children and your intervention speaks volumes about your innate sense of justice and protective instincts. The act of catching the husband and wife trying to murder their children, with the mother holding the older child under water and strangling him, symbolizes a deep-seated fear of witnessing or being unable to prevent harm to the innocent.
When you tried to fight her off and the husband attacked you, it represents the overwhelming and often unexpected challenges you face when standing up for what is right. The act of grabbing the other kids and calling the police, only to find that the authorities did not recognize the danger, reflects a sense of frustration and helplessness when those in power fail to acknowledge serious issues.
The husband's whispered threat that he was coming for you and your family signifies a lingering fear of retaliation or harm that can come from standing up against wrongdoing. The subsequent attack, and your preparation by looking for self-defense tools in the garage, including garden tools and a gun without bullets, highlight your resourcefulness and determination to protect yourself and those you care about, even in the most dire situations.
The intense struggle with the mother, where you ultimately use a pitchfork to defend yourself, illustrates your resilience and unwillingness to succumb to threats. The act of running to another home and hiding, only to be confronted again, emphasizes the relentless nature of the fears you face. The children wanting to retrieve their pets, and your efforts to protect them, further underline your protective nature and the lengths you are willing to go to ensure safety.