Backstep Forward

"So tell me about your first day at the harvesting fields", Walter pried. After thinking about where he might begin, Evan started to recount how he felt when he first arrived at the place of the harvesting, and the sight of Walter walking away, all by himself. He told of the families that he and Mark had helped to reunite, and the confusion of this strange power that seemed to take over when he was in the field. Margaret listened intently, somewhat in awe of the newfound power that the younger man was quickly acquiring. Even Walter began to feel a little small, in the presence of his guest; but it was not an envious feeling -- rather, one of pride. When they finished their meal and everything had been cleaned up, Margaret brought over a cup of hot tea. "Now this is the same tea that I made for you last time", she said. ""It will make you sleep soundly. You might want to sit on the edge of the bed, before you start drinking it; you remember what happened before?" "So this time, you're actually TELLING me that you're going to drug me" Evan blurted out. He intended for it to be more of a light-hearted comment, but it came out a little caustic and rough. Walter seemed to get the joke, but Margaret appeared a little hurt and defensive. The younger man apologized to her, and she smiled back. He dutifully went over to the bed and accepted the cup. Very soon, his eyelids became heavy, and he was slowly transported back to Presbyterian Memorial Hopsital - to another life.