The Window That Stayed

For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of being inside spaces that slowly — or sometimes suddenly — begin to fill with water.

Rooms, buildings, places I don't quite recognize. As the water rises, walking is no longer possible, so I begin to swim. Sometimes there are other people with me, and they swim too.

Over the years, I seem to have become a better swimmer.

During my burnout recovery, I remember one of these dreams especially clearly. I was swimming slowly but steadily. It wasn't easy, but I was okay.

Then, one night, something was different. I swam toward the light.