Sea Cave, Underground, Waterfall, Ball, Couples, Dance, Empty

[Dorn]

I find myself on a small gondola in a sea cave. The gondolier (a stereotypical Charon) is singing "Pie Jesu" (this same line, over and over again) as I am transported through a system of underground canals and stone bridges. Finally, we pass through a waterfall and the gondolier goes silent, pointing to an opening on the opposite side of where he "docked" the gondola. After twenty or so steps the pathway widens and is no longer a cave structure but a lit-up hallway with valves and pillars. I hear music, a somber Viennese Waltz. As I get closer to the source I arrive in a ballroom with a dance floor at the furthest end of the room and round dinner tables all over. The room is full of people, waiters running about and guests sitting down, conversing. A waiter passes me by and says, "Please be seated, sir." I look across the room but all the seats appear to be taken. Taking a closer glance, I see that all the guests are conventional couples between 20 and 30 years of age, sitting face to face. They're all dressed according to the etiquette, yet their likeness goes beyond the attire. They also possess similar facial features, dark hair, and an unhealthy-looking white complexion (like me). Taking an even closer look I see that the men are identical to one another whereas the women look different, partly disguised by the haute couture. Then, as the music stops, they all rise and approach the dance floor, two and two. Heels clatter the floor as everyone moves from one end of the room to the other, even the waiters. All plates and utensils are gone instantly. I take a seat, finding a spot in the midst of empty tables. The dimensions of the room are now different and the dance floor appears to be all the more distant from where I sit. I rest my head in my hands, looking down. The weight of my head makes it tip from side to side, as if I am moving in accordance with the rhythm of heels hitting the floor. But there is no music. Moments later I look up, realizing that I must have fallen asleep. The room is now dark and empty, except for a bulky janitor who is mopping the floors. He approaches me as our eyes meet. "There is a call for you from the other side of the stage," he says. I answer, "Where is that?" "Well, you should know by now." "I should, shouldn't I?" Then I wake up.

[Dorn]

*bump*