Dreams involving loss, especially of a significant other, can be deeply emotional and often reflect your feelings of grief, longing, and unresolved issues surrounding that relationship. The imagery of a nuclear event may symbolize something that feels catastrophic or overwhelming in your life. This could represent a fear of losing important connections or the impact of unforeseen circumstances on your happiness.
Living 20 years without your girlfriend in the dream suggests a long period of mourning and adapting to life without her, indicating how significant her absence is to you. The invention of a time machine highlights a desire to change the past and rectify feelings of regret or helplessness. It may reflect a wish to have more control over your life circumstances and to reclaim what was lost.
This dream could be prompting you to consider how you cope with loss and what steps you can take in your waking life to honor her memory or address any lingering feelings. It might also suggest the need for healing and moving forward, even if that means finding a way to live with the memory of her rather than trying to change the past.
Consider reflecting on what aspects of your relationship are most important to you and how you can carry those forward in a way that feels meaningful.