A New Reality

Cool, muted sunlight peered through the blinds. Dawn was peaking over the distant mountains, telling the world that a new day was beginning. Crisp fall air hinted at the upcoming changing of leaves from green to red and orange. Izhari’s eyes opened and she could see the environment around her.

But it didn’t startle her. Why would it? She had been able to see her entire life. As her vision adjusted and the haze of sleep drifted away, she took in the surroundings of familiar comfort. Silver and blue silk sheets covered the firm mattress that was beneath her body. A soft, light pillow held her head in place while strands of her copper-colored hair splayed out across the bed.

A deep, relaxed yawn of awareness caused her to stretch her legs from beneath the comforter as she let out a sigh of relaxation. Smooth skin and ten painted toenails peaked from beneath the fabric as she squeaked and closed her eyes once more.

Something about her dream was lingering with her. It was as though her heart was trying to recall something incredibly important but couldn’t. The sensation was not saddening or stressful, it just felt like it was slipping further away from grasp with every moment of consciousness.

Still, she accepted that it was now out of reach and reality awaited her. Thus she sat up and set her feet on the carpeted floor. A strange phenomenon was occurring in the corner of the room where the walls met the ceiling. In the place of clear, defined edges, the walls were all smudging together as though something had wiped away the clarity that should be there. But Izhari thought nothing of it.

Quiet, light steps led her to the window out of habit as she took in the morning vista. Tokyo Tower was standing resolute and orange as the sunlight began to dance on its metal body.

Behind her, the bathroom door opened and a familiar man stepped out while drying the hair on his head. Sensing him brought her no concern. In fact, she knew he was gentle. It was as though years of familiarity were present between them as he approached her and took her hand.

“I feel like you just had the strangest dream…” she said as her vision stayed focused on the familiar cityscape.

“Bad dream?” he asked in a familiar, kind voice.

“No. Or, I don’t think so. But something about it felt so important.”

He paused ever so slightly then smiled.

“Well, if it was important, you’ll remember it.”

His lips met the top of her head as the two of them looked out the window at the mostly detailed expanse. Her hand rested on his chest as she inhaled the subtle details of his scent that she knew so well.

“Ready to have some good vacation time?” Tomita asked with a smirk.

My Salaryman Familiar

By Prufrock

TO BE CONTINUED.