Dreams involving ex-partners often tap into unresolved feelings or thoughts about past relationships. Your ex-boyfriend asking for help may symbolize a desire for connection or unresolved issues between you two. Volunteering to clean up a forest fire suggests a willingness to help and heal, not just for him but potentially for yourself as well.
The heavy backpack you carried could represent emotional burdens or responsibilities that you feel are weighing you down. It may symbolize the baggage from your past relationship or other aspects of your life that you are currently dealing with.
Waiting at the nail salon could indicate a need for self-care or beautification, suggesting that while you are focusing on your own well-being, there are still lingering thoughts about your past.
Overall, this dream may be encouraging you to reflect on your past relationship and how it affects your current emotional state. It may also be a reminder to address any burdens you feel and consider how to lighten your load moving forward.