In San Jose…

I became aware of my dreams before I became aware of the world. In the dark of my teenage bedroom, consciousness reassembled slowly and the Groovie Ghoulies played in my head.

G-R-O-O, V-I-E-e-E

G-H-O-U, L-I-E-e-E

A sometimes-used neuron conjured a memory of Jim Favor (Jim F’n Favor), my upstairs neighbor when I lived with Lolly.

I still think of you, Laurel. In a bygone time, you are always mine.

The day began this way.