The Dreams

Dream 157

According to the medical report, I only had a few weeks to live. First I was struck by sadness — then by a wave of recklessness. I began to eat food that the doctors had forbidden me to touch for years. And I finally committed myself to my girlfriend “S,” asking her to marry me.

“You’ll lose a great, innocent friendship,” she told me, astonished, “while getting nothing in return.” But I pressed her anyway until she gave in.

Two days later, a doctor friend said that a world-famous specialist would be visiting Egypt, and they had booked a place for me with him: Congratulations! I was consumed with joy from head to foot — until I remembered the deadly food that I had devoured, and the marriage to which I had tied myself without really wanting it.

My ecstasy turned to vexation and concern.