The Transition

 

The transition from being awake to being asleep is an elusive one.  I’ve never been able to stay awake long enough to see it happen.  There isn’t any popping or snapping sound, like a light switch.  It’s all very stealthy.

The same seems true with waking up, unless there is some strange dream involved, like you’re putting the finishing touches on your solid chocolate sports car, when suddenly you find yourself looking directly into the face of your nightstand clock.  3:18 am.  Disappointed that your car was not real, you roll over and try to find it again.

Only to find yourself in the repair shop being worked on by doctors.  They have all kinds of instruments and machines, checking the air pressure in your shoes, asking if you feel overheated.

"What did you have for breakfast?"

"I think I had eggs and toast."

"Chicken eggs?"

"Yes, chicken eggs.  What other kind did you think?"

"Are you always this touchy about breakfast?"

"I don't think I'm touchy.  How did I get here anyway?  Why am I here?"

"When we went to check on your insurance, we noticed your car in the display counter.  Dark chocolate, isn't it?"

And that's when the fire alarm sounded.  It took a second but I awoke to the sound of my alarm clock.  Its time to get up.