Morning sunlight drifted golden and pure through the windows, warming the sheets. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. I rolled over, nearly heartbroken to find the bed empty.

Had I dreamed last night?

I climbed out of the bed, stumbling to the shower. I washed my hair and my face, letting the hot water wash away my disappointment. There was something cleansing about water so hot it left red streaks down my skin. I was starting to believe I truly had dreamed everything that I ...