Suddenly I awake out of a deep sleep with an urge I can no longer fight. I have to piss like a Spanish race horse! I turn and glance at the clock. 2:47 AM. Groggily I sit up and swing my legs over the side of the bed. I give a bit of a stretch trying to wake myself enough to walk. I manage to bring myself to my feet and slowly make my way to the bathroom.

The room is black like the ocean floor. I feel my way along the walls and successfully navigate my way to smooth linoleum floor of the bathroom. I pull the door shut behind me and flick the light switch. The sight of the toilet is like salvation. I lift the seat and feel that sweet release that is like no other. A quick flush and flick of the switch and I am on my journey back to the security of my pillow. Slowly I slide through the room, being careful not to stub my toe. I'm getting closer. It won't be long now. I'll be back in my dream. Cuban cigars, Cuban rum, and Cuban women!

I feel breeze sweep by. I hear the curtain flutter. Ahh, nice and cool out tonight. Wait. I didn't leave the window open. Maybe she did. No matter, feels good. I am back underway. Huh? What have I bumped into? I must have gotten turned around when I was startled by the window. I reach out to feel the obstruction. Cold. Hard. A pole? I run my hand up the object. A sickle?! Alarmed I step back, stumble over my feet and *smack* slam into the floor. I hear a whisper. "It is your time. There is nothing you can do." Then something swiftly slices the air in front of me. There is a thud on the floor in front of me and in a brief moment, all is calm.

I quickly locate the lamp and switch it on. There is a package on the floor where I had fallen. Cautiously I approach. By all judgments it is an ordinary package. Nothing seems sinister about it. I gently lift it from the floor, weighing it. Should I open it? What did he mean by "It is your time."? I have to open it. I must know what all this is about. I put the package on the night stand and retrieve a sharp knife from the kitchen. I return to the package. I take a couple of deep breaths to relax myself. Ok, now I'm ready. I slide the knife along the tape at the seals. With the lightest touch, I tear off the opening strip. I lift the flap and......










































































.......it all goes a bit groggy after that actually.