VI
Confusion
An insistent knocking awakened Michael. At the same time, a masculine voice was saying,
“Michael, son, get up. It’s time for you to find a job.”
“All right, Dad. I’m awake.”
“Good. Now, get dressed, get downstairs and eat.”
“Yes, sir.”
Michael was confused. He looked around the room and thought, “Were the last few days a
dream?”
Michael threw the covers off and rolled out of bed. He looked out of the window of his bedroom
and enjoyed the view of a late June morning in South Georgia. He found himself wishing that
work was what we did in our spare time and enjoying life was what we got paid to do. He started
laughing as he realized that every college graduate had probably thought something along those
lines at one time or another before they found work. He tore himself away from the window and
walked over to his closet.
Michael opened the door to the closet and was stunned into utter inaction. His closet had
disappeared; in its place was a black void. It was the unlighted coal mine at midnight on a new
moon black. There was absolutely no light to be seen, even the light from the room stopped at
the door frame. He took a cautious step. He could feel the floor, although it couldn’t be seen. He
took a second step and looked back; he could see the light in the room; but, as he had observed
from the room, absolutely no light entered the closet. He took a third step and the closet door
closed inexplicably; now, he was in utter darkness. He turned around and retraced his steps