What Denial Looks Like

You’re awakened one night from a deep sleep.

You detect the faint odor of smoke, but you hope that it was just a dream.

You’re too groggy to get up and check the source of the smell.

You roll over and attempt to go back to sleep.

Eventually you do.

Some time later, your senses are roused, haunted by a reminder of that familiar vapor.

You sniff the air, wondering if it’s in the room, here and now.

Something is definitely going on in your house.

Maybe not though.

Surely, you’re imagining it?

You pray that you’re imagining it.

But you anticipate real danger.

Wait – Now, not only can you smell something, you see it creeping

around the corner – swirls of smoke and an orange flash.

Is this a vision conjured by an active imagination? A day dream? A nightmare?

You don’t want to be an alarmist.

You decide to wait and see because you’re still a little sleepy.

Things could change.

The flash could die down.

Suddenly, you’re fully awake. You know the truth. It’s asphyxiating.
Your house is engulfed in flames.