A storm feels endless when you're drenched in the midst of it, but a dryer sidewalk is always just a lightning bolt away. If we'd just keep walking we'd find it."

I paused. The puffer twitched. He seemed anxious for me to start the actual story, but maybe I was projecting. I dared a glance at my watch. Midnight.

As much for my own benefit as the puffer's, I began.

"Eighteen months ago, on a chilly, late winter evening with spring just over the horizon...I died."

~ 2 ~

I should have heeded my initial instinct to postpone the inspection.

There were no ambulances idling in either of the hospital's double bays, and the parking lot was an asphalt desert. That wasn't unusual for a hibernating tourist town on a chilly March evening. The peaceful winters were a respite for us locals, but we welcomed the vacationer's summer sojourn the way a parent appreciates an offspring's temporary visit home.

I parked my Lexus illegally near the front entrance. As I stepped out, a breeze swirled and wrapped itself around my legs like a leafy vine climbing a trellis; its tendrils teasing my nostrils with the scent of an early spring. I smiled at the thought. I was energized after my ten day sabbatical with my family, and eager for the renewal of purposeful activity.

I trotted towards the front doors, which opened automatically, welcoming me like an old friend. My footsteps echoed across the waiting area which was almost as empty as the parking lot.

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