A strange awakening. No ringing alarm. No noise around me. I don’t even feel the usual tiredness that distinguishes winter mornings. I feel fresh, rested, at peace. I’m not even sure if I’m really awake; it seems like I’m still dreaming.

I open my eyes and see red flowers losing their petals, which are slowly falling to the floor next to my feet. They’re moving, forming a little river that flows to the horizon. Mixed emotions arise in me. On one hand, all this moving red makes me uncomfortable; it’s not something you see every day. On the other hand, it creates a weird warm sensation in my chest.

Everything else seems illuminated by a strong white light that gives a dazzling sensation, but actually rests gently on my eyes and almost seems to caress my skin. An unusual calming feeling runs through my bones.

Next to me is a stranger, the only black stain in all this white and red. It’s the first time I’ve seen her, but I feel like I know her, like an old friend I haven't seen in a long time.

She comes closer to me and extends her hand, and I realize that without hesitation I’ve already grabbed it. I feel like I can trust her. That long, white, skeletal hand looks like it could break at any moment, yet it raises me up with strength.

The strange figure watches me with her empty eyes, but her gaze doesn’t scare me. There is something familiar about her, as if we had known each other forever.

She turns in the direction of the red river and, after giving me a nod, sets off. She moves slowly with her black stick with a silver tip. She has no hurry, but her movements are firm and confident.

I take a long breath. I look at the red petals and watch their flow as far as my eyes can reach. That looks like my destination. I join my old friend, and together we walk to the horizon. I feel fresh, rested, at peace.