Prologue

(Rev. 4-19-05)

As I peer up into the jewel-lit sky I see a tranquil full moon peering over the fields and trees casting an eerie glow and spotlighting all there is. I stand on a mound, in a field of tall grass, and behind me I feel a thick forest. Ahead I can see a large river moving swiftly, quietly, and undisturbed but slightly over it's banks. The stars are singing their beautiful song. Literally. I've heard it so many times and it's changed over the years. Always the most beautiful song, the melody is - incomprehensible. As each glimmer holds its note in chorus it glows brighter and brighter - building to something, building into some climax. Each star taking it's turn to shine brighter all over the moonlit floor. There is a glow way off in the distance northeast of me, over the horizon, on the other side of that river, and miles away. I just know it's some city...

Without time to fully understand my dream I wake up, feeling disconnected and drugged. After a moment I suddenly become aware that I'm riding in a car in the middle of the night. I can see that where I was is not where I am for the sky is to dark to hold my dream. What's happening? Who is this driving? It seems like we're on a country road next to... a river... I can see now... I know where we are - I know this river. It's that same river from my dream but we're closer to the city. I've been terrified of this road since I was a child, and now I know why. I've always been afraid to drive on this road, winding so close to the water. Now I know why...

I guess I've always known... always - "You think you're figurin' it allll out don't ya? I did it too I guess. I barely remember being you." The driver gives me no time to think about what he's saying - I can't understand it, something about him is very odd, really familiar but not quite. I can tell though, by the way I feel, that whatever is making it's way through my blood makes me concious and aware, but unable to move my arms, muscles, and unable to respond. No time to anyway.

We pull over and I know this is it... these breaths will be my last...