The Dreams

Dream 19

I was dazzled by the new apartment after it was turned over to me. I inspected every corner — and it filled my soul with joy. “Now you need a regular job,” I told myself. “You’d better get cracking without delay.”

I went to the market. Covering a vast area, it was surrounded by a formidable wall. I presented my deed of ownership for the flat, and they let me come inside.

The place was packed with people. I saw a great many women I had loved in the past, but all were walking arm-in-arm with their men. I proceeded to the intended window and offered my papers, the first being my proof of possession for the new apartment. The man looked them over and told me, “We don’t have any vacant positions right now. We’ll get in touch with you at the appropriate time.”

I felt my hopes frustrated — I would have to wait a long while. I returned to cutting my way through the crowd, contemplating the rush of gorgeous faces that I had loved before. I lingered alone in the flat, while on the street I heard a man say in a booming voice, “It’s nonsense for a man to own an apartment without holding down a job. He should give it up for someone else fortunate enough to be employed.”

I was upset by what he said — and the longer I thought about it, the truer it seemed.

Assailed by doubt and worry, I watched for what lay hidden behind the morrow with a troubled and sleepless eye.