Keeping in mind that dreams are expressions of your feelings, awarenesses and thoughts about your waking life at the time you had it, dream elements (people, animals, things, actions, situations, locations, etc.) that you did not see, experience or think of just prior to the dream are likely symbolic. To be literal, a dream element would most likely have been in your life or on your mind just at the time of the dream. If in doubt, always consider the symbolic possibilities. You can explore symbol meanings in our Dream Dictionary.