Chapter 5“Welcome back, stranger. What took you so long? We’ve been waiting for a long time.” Martin loved the sound of that voice. He remembered hearing it before, but wasn’t sure from where. He turned his head to see the man sitting at his bedside. He knew him, and searched his mind to come up with a name. He also knew they were more than friends. At least that was the impression he had. The man gently lifted his head, and placed a spoon with crushed ice to his lips. Martin thought he never felt anything as wonderful as the cool water wetting his dry mouth. He nodded with gratitude.
Martin felt as though he had a dream, but that he dreamt he was awake. He remembered some parts of the dreamlike experience—about being a spirit and seeing other spirits. He recalled the oak bench and seeing
