I’m dreaming. I know that.<\/p>\n
I also know I’m lying in bed, tossing and turning. Not sleeping well. Headache, throbbing — steel wool watch cap stretched over the back of my skull. <\/p>\n
We don’t sneeze while we’re asleep; did you ever notice? We can hurt, though, and I hurt now.<\/p>\n
But I’m still dreaming.<\/p>\n
I’m in a common lounge in a college dorm. It’s no room I’ve ever seen, and no college I’ve ever attended. College is a long while back, but I’d remember. <\/p>\n
I’m sure I’d remember.<\/p>\n
People are walking in and out. No one’s sitting.<\/p>\n
I look at the other door — the one across the room — when it opens. There’s a girl there.<\/p>\n
I drop to my knees. She stays standing. We’re both crying. Instantly. Silently. <\/p>\n
I forgot you.<\/em> The thought is from my waking mind, the tone incredulous and horrified. How did I ever forget you? How did you forget me?<\/em><\/p>\n She shakes her head, eyes locked on mine. She doesn’t know.<\/p>\n Then I’m awake. <\/p>\n It’s 1:48.<\/p>\n The phone is ringing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I’m dreaming. I know that. I also know I’m lying in bed, tossing and turning. Not sleeping well. Headache, throbbing — steel wool watch cap stretched over the back of my skull. We don’t sneeze while we’re asleep; did you ever notice? We can hurt, though, and I hurt now. But I’m still dreaming. I’m … <\/p>\n