Chapter 72: Aidan San Francisco — 1985 Green

Aidan is dreaming. He is wandering in a forest of greens. Though still divided, new shades, tints and hues are coloring his world.

Through viridian leaves, an azure sky is lightened by a lemon-yellow sun. Aidan feels more alive and more fragile than he ever has. He feels smaller yet connected. Somewhere out of sight, a bird is singing. The music is different than any Aidan has ever heard. He does not know why, he only knows the sound feels lighter. It is the sound of life, not requiring an answer. It is free. It is the first time Aidan has heard bird song. Usually, birds drop lifeless at his feet. Hearing the song beneath an azure sky, protected by verdant arms, Aidan is warmed by an invincible summer. He stretches his arms toward the light.

But the sky is growing dark with ash, embers rain down upon him. The man cries the woman screams, and he can see their faces, although he does not know them.

Aidan wakes but the dreams stay with him, altering the color of his mind.