Obadiah's Crossing

There is a moment between waking and dreaming in which realities intertwine... I've had this dream before. I'm lying on a dark street with one flickering street lamp. A black cat darts through the sphere of light, the only sign of life here. There is no sound, save my rapid breath as I try to orient myself. Pushing up off the pavement to look around I realize something. This time it's different... I can feel the cold asphalt pressing into my palms. A drop of moisture slides down my face and I smell the salt as it passes my nose. I taste the unmistakable mixture of blood and sweat as it passes over my lips. My head starts to pound. Understanding sinks in. This time it is different. This time it's real.