Fog

Tab walked down the street cautiously, earnestly seeking to avoid a stumble or a collision with an oncoming pedestrian.The fog made it difficult to see more than a rather short distance in front of oneself, so caution was warranted in order to avoid injury. Walking down the sidewalk was an adventure, as every so often one would brush against another walker passing by or find a quick step to one side necessary so as not to smash into the body of the person who just emerged from the fog two feet to one’s front. Tab dreaded having to walk long distances, especially at night, when what little visibility the fog allowed was further obscured by the darkness.

Tab was going to meet his friend Art at a local restaurant. He did finally make it to the entrance to the place after a harrowing journey down the sidewalk. The fog was just as thick in the restaurant, and he had to call Art’s name to find him in the thickness. He did manage to locate Art, and sat down with him. They exchanged greetings and began small talk. During the appetizer, Art mentioned that he had met a guy who, he said, "could be clearly seen even from a distance." It was said in passing, and Tab thought little of it at first mention, but later, back in his room, as he lay awake pondering, Art's words came back to him. Tab had never clearly seen any one. The fog kept it so.

During other meetings with Art, usually at the same restaurant, Tab listened to further descriptions of seeing unhindered by the mist. Such descriptions seemed fanciful to Tab, though Art spoke of them in a matter of fact way with just a little extra enthusiasm. "I've got to see this," said Tab.

"I could introduce you to him. He's got friends that are the same way," said Art, taking another sip from his glass.

"Well, just let me know when we can meet 'em. I'm flexible," said Tab.

Two weeks later, Tab got to see, really see, another person. Art had been invited to one of their weekly meetings and was told it would be fine to bring Tab along. The meeting place was buzzing with activity when they came in, and they were welcomed by several as they made their way to where Art's friend, Ian, was standing. Tab just looked around in amazement. The fog did not cling to these people whose clothes were so vibrantly colored and whose features were so well defined. While he felt a little awkward, the fog still surrounding him, Tab talked to a good number of the attendants that night. They seemed like a different species almost, he thought, compared to the dour expression and grim outlook on the face of many of those who lived in the haze. Tab left the meeting that night with many questions. "That was weird," he told Art. "What's the deal with them?"

"Well, Ian said that they all have come to a realization. Something about being renewed, or reborn, or something like that. Ian said when they come to this realization, the fog just falls away from 'em."

"Do you have to go through some kind of initiation or something?" asked Tab. "I don't think so. But, Ian said it took him a while before he finally understood what was goin' on. Now, he wishes he would've caught on sooner."

Tab and Art didn't discuss the meeting anymore that night. When Tab got back to his room, though, he could not get the sharp images of these people out of his mind. He thought how it would be to see through the fog that even now hung about him; to see and be seen. His last thoughts before drifting off and the dreams that followed featured clear, unambiguous images of people and things.

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Contributed byStephen F. Pizzini
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