Conversation · Bed

And then -- sleep doesn't come.

Why?

Maybe it's the bed's fault?

Check the pillow.

Its synthetic filling has separated into hard lumps. The pillowcase smells oddly.

Smells of alcohol and sweat. And grease.

Roll over to the other side.

It's a little better... Colours, scenes, and half-formed phrases still litter your mind. Part of you is still trying to solve the case, isn't it?

Who killed him? Who?

Something to do with... What was it that the lieutenant said? Union? And it's gone again, your thoughts lost between the slowing brain waves.

No more thoughts. Fall asleep now...

Your breathing steadies. A great silence washes over you... until your eyelids twitch in your sleep and images... images start forming...

...

Check the blanket.

It barely covers your toes, stretching over your soft belly. This is your body here, intimate and warm, breathing...

A bit tense in the muscles -- relax.

Breathing, are you sure? Your heart beats a little bit faster at this unnerving thought.

Under your thrumming eyelids, you see a dizzying array of colours. You won't get off this carousel quite so easily.

But I want to sleep...

Obviously -- you're in bed with your eyes closed. But it's not happening.