The dream had been swirling and dark, my mind rattled and dazed when I awoke.
I wasn't sure where I was, at first.
BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP!
Home.
Something was wrong, though.
I didn't feel very good.
BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP!
My sheets were soaked, wrapping me up like one of Egypt's finest. I straightened an arm bound tightly against me, stretching and clawing away until the sheet loosened.
BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP!
I put my palm to my forehead. I had a fever and it was a bad one.
BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP!
I placed my hand on my chest and felt my heart. It was speeding along, as if my body still thought that it was dreaming.
BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP!
I gasped for a lung-full of air, trying to slow my breathing.
BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP!
I could hear the blood shooting through my veins as I lay there.
Relax, Hugo. Work has caught up with you a little bit. You're body's telling you it's time for a rest.
BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP!
It's that time of year.
People get sick.
BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP!
It's me, Hugo!
AIDS!
BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP!
I tried to meditate, blank out my mind.
BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP!
Don't go there.
BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP!
It's not what you think...
BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP!
Oh, yes it is...
BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP!
Charley had been dead for two years.
Now it was my turn.
