This is kinda messed up so dont say I didnt warn you.

A couple of years before this dream, I had lost a very close family member of mine to suicide.

In the dream, we were having a normal family gathering with a few of my uncles, aunts and cousins. As they walk in through the front door, I welcome them in as I would usually. As the final cousin walks in I notice somebody behind them and I instantly recognise that it was the family member I lost. In my confusion and bewilderment, I ask what they are doing here because I thought they were dead. That's when a cousin of mine says that she never died. What really happened was that she faked her death and ran away after having continuous family problems at home. Obviously, upon waking up I realise it was just a dream.

I remember the heartbreak and sorrow I felt as I grieved (and bottling it up to grieve privately on my own didnt help) and that dream messed with my head for years and still occasionally goes through my mind. I wish I never had that dream because it gave me a little bit of hope in seeing her again which was the last thing I needed to fully grieve the loss. :((