Once I close my eyes, my dreams return me to the Gray Sea. I stand on a familiar stretch of dark sand beside a tall stonewall. Crouching low, I set my hands onto the desert floor. A circle of white fire erupts from the ground. From its center rises the form of my mother made from sand. She sits at a desk.
The earth continues to rise, the granules building into the shape of an office.
The circle of fire flares higher, then disappears. The moving sand transforms into flesh and blood. The scene before me comes to life.
Mom looks up from her desk. “Hello, Tim.” She runs her fingertips along the neckline of her blue suit.
Tim’s gaze follows the movement of her fingers across her chest. “You should call me TIM-29.” His voice comes out a little husky.
I’m no lust expert, but it’s possible th
