It started with a dream Toeing the line of consciousness, I kept my eyes closed tight, trying unsuccessfully to fall back asleep. I wanted to make sense of the dreamy images that, though vivid and clear just a moment before, were now quickly fading. The dog we adopted one week ago was there, along with a friend I’ve not seen in years. I don’t know where “there” was or why these two unrelated images filled my head, but I wanted to. After several minutes, though, it was clear: My efforts to re-enter dream-world were futile. But I soon discovered that my attempt to stop thinking of this old friend was equally futile, so I remained in bed, curiously ensnared by a seemingly random memory from time spent together nearly twenty years ago…   Maybe it’s more than a memory My friend opened the door to her sleeping son’s bedroom, motioning me to follow as she walked towards his crib. The dim glow from a night light lit my path as a sound machine camouflaged the noise from downstairs. I don’