THE IN-BETWEEN
Oliver lay on his back against a cold, marble-like floor. He had a strange sensation, as though he was now watching his life from without, instead of from within. He opened his eyes, seeing only darkness, and a brief sense of panic washed over him.
“Oh no, I’m blind,” he said aloud. Instantly, light appeared, silhouetting his body, and he relaxed. He sat up, taking inventory of his body. He was wearing the clothes he had drowned in, excepting his boots, but they weren’t wet and neither was he. His arms moved when he wanted them to, and while he wiggled his toes, he took large breaths, coughing up dribbles of water.
“Well, this is unexpected.” Sarcasm had proved, on more than one occasion, to calm his nerves.
Oliver turned his head in either direction, but beyond the fain
