Hypnagogia

by Robert Lopresti

About the Author: Robert Lopresti is a retired librarian and the author of more than ninety published short stories.

Excerpt

“I warn you,” Karla called from the kitchen. “Do not tell them about your dreams or I may get violent.”

Kevin, standing at the liquor cabinet in the living room, made a face. “It’s not dreams. How many times do I have to explain that?”

“Well, it sounds like it to me, honey. Would you get me a serving bowl?”

Her husband, in the middle of pouring drinks, gave his guests an apologetic shrug.

Paul said “I’ll help. Dinner smells wonderful.”

“Thank you so much, dear.” Karla pointed at the top shelf. “Any of the big bowls will do.”

“Here you go.”

“I got a little carried away on the salad. My bowl overfloweth.”

“Speaking of which,” Kevin muttered, and added another finger of Scotch to the glass he was pouring.

“Lovely,” said Peg, Paul’s wife, accepting the glass. She looked across the living room to the picture window. “I can never believe this view, Kevin.”

Since all but one of the people at the dinner party lived at the country club, none of them could complain about the scenery outside their homes, but Kevin and Karla, being among the first residents to buy in, had a spectacular view of the green.

“It is stunning,” Tamara said.

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