Dawn came with the usual serenade of cardinals and mourning doves. It was a beautiful way to start the day. Lying there half asleep, I watched the Gulf Coast breezes gently lift the curtains, and then I remembered the dream I’d had. Layla and I and Maggie were walking hand in hand down a country road. It was a dirt road, lined by ancient moss-covered live oaks. There were two Labrador dogs running ahead. The sun was setting. It felt like heaven. And then I looked over at Maggie and she was still sound asleep. I lay there and wondered how I could ever live without her, and somehow I knew that everything with Layla was going to be okay.

“Are you staring at me while I sleep again?” she asked.

Laughing softly, I said, “You’re scary with that third eye thing you have!”

I don’t know how she knows but she always knows.

We both laughed and made eye contact. It was like time was standing still in her eyes.

“Come over here, baby.” As she reached for me she said, “I love you, Jim.”

I said, “I love you back, baby,” and then Maggie’s eyes opened in total surprise and she screamed.