Senhor

Chapter One

I awoke normally from my sleep. Eyes opened to familiar shadows, hearing to quiet sounds. My mind comfortably processed this information. As synapses fired crisper signals, a vague stirring of unease developed. I fully arose from the now shallow depths of my slumber, and anxiety gave way to full-fledged panic. The events of last night [or last year- or the last lifetime] flooded my now too fully coherent consciousness. I immediately felt my abdomen, expecting to find a gaping maw where intestines previously resided. Nothing abnormal! My hand felt only warm intact flesh. I quickly flung the bed covers aside and inspected my lower body for damage. No sign of stitches, bandages, or bruises could be detected. Absolutely nothing was askew. I closed my eyes and fought against the unyielding urge to scream for help. I lay quietly and waited for my emotions to resume a semblance of control. Logic must prevail. Gradually my heart resumed a normal rhythm. Explanations had to be forthcoming. Nothing could be gained by inactivity. Surely a little deductive reasoning and investigation could clarify what now appeared to be an unsolvable dilemma. Last night did exist; it was beyond a shadow of a doubt. It was not a dream or a figment of my imagination. I could only pray that it didn't happen, but it unfortunately, most assuredly it did. I glanced at the digital clock atop my dresser. The display read 12:33 P.M.. If the clock was correct, and assuming it was the morning following, then less than ten hours had elapsed. Less than ten hours since I lay on the cold ground, with trauma so severe that it precluded any hope of rapid recovery. Hell, I thought, I can't even be alive! I died. Recovery my ass! I'm no longer part of this world. I can't be. My dues paying membership has been permanently revoked by Mister double barrel twelve gauge. Well, I thought, dwelling on yesterday's events is futile. This inactivity must end here and now. There will be time to assess the