DRINKING & DREAMING

I watched a handful of screeners last night. Instead of my usual glass of vino, I finished a pint of Ben & Jerry's. I retired around midnight.

Then things got weird. My subconscious is an iron maiden of nightmares.

It's a pristine summer day. My friend and I are sitting on the floor of an unfurnished summer rental that's partially sinking into a lake.

Then I'm on a dock watching her tread water in the middle of the pond. I am sitting cross legged and my view of her is obstructed because there are other people standing on the dock with me. This is a five year old version of myself, frustrated I can't see the parade from the sidewalk. Just the backs of people's legs. Suddenly there's a break, and I see only her head poking above the surface. She' s wearing a large brimmed hat. She waves at me, then disappears under.

Then I'm back in the cottage sitting on the floor, eating a pint of ice cream. Though it is Super Fudge Chunk, I can barely taste the chocolate. I read the label. I discover Ben and Jerry's has been bought out by IKEA.

Then I am trapped in a closet with a werewolf scratching on the outside, trying desperately to get in. I can hear the snarling, and can smell his breath from under the door.

Then I am on the beach with my mother and brother. We notice how oddly purple the sky is. A thunderous noise forces us to our feet. I look up to witness a wall of water rising along the horizon. I scramble to pick up my dog so we can head for higher ground, but she won't come to me.

Tonight I'm going to go back to wine.