It is important to keep in mind that there are many meanings to distance in many dreams. It is sometimes an obstacle, challenge or even a reward.
Another interpretation on the meaning of distance regarding dreams would be: show them something they don’t understand or grasp yet. Reach out and pull them closer to reach them and give meaning to what they know or understand.
Everyday, people experience feelings of unease and frustration which means that after coming across obstacles and disappointments everyday a person’s feelings and motivations are fading over time. So it is not rare to feel far away in dreams, be it literally or figuratively. Someone in such dreams may even imagine an impassable body of water, maybe by their own thoughts or some perspective change.