I squeezed my eyes tight, then opened them wide, but the familiar Vancouver streets failed to reappear.

Sit here like a chump or get out of the car like a chump? Both such appealing choices.

I opened my car door and stood up, one hand braced on the top in case I had to jump back inside. The air was cooler with a damp mulchy smell, and the only sound was the wind rustling leaves.

Hang on. Leaves?

Arms outstretched, I lurched forward like a zombie. In ...