Cheney Free Press -

6 a.m. October 1st, 2023. The early morning autumn light gently filtered through my eyelids, waking me slowly, easing my foggy brain into another day’s existence.

A languorous stretch produced the effect I hoped for- a furry headbutt to my shoulder as Tika rolled into my side. This was the magic hour; sleep slowly leaving my head, dawn lifting the veil of dreams and a rather insistent pup vying for my half-awake attention.

I love this moment between worlds when nothing is required of me yet, just pet the dog and try to decipher a dream’s elusive meaning. Soon I will forget the dream,...