Chapter 15MATEO SAW HIMSELF FLOATING above a river, passing close to a wall, surrounded by blue-green parrots. First one parrot, followed by dozens, opened their azure-tipped wings, highlighted in the middle with a red brushstroke. His eyes fixed on the axel of a Ferris wheel. The wall of birds turned at first slowly, then sped up, turning into a blur. The image transitioned to green dresses as the dancers stopped. A white wedding cake rose toward a blue sky. Tower bells tolled, penetrating his dream and his sleepy haze. The bells become louder, then real as he awoke.
Startled and angry with himself, Mateo bolted upright only to have his worst fear realized. I slept through the wedding was his first thought before he realized the bells tolled for mass. The clock said noon. ‘Stupid. Stupid
