A weary body slowly relaxed as Josiah wrapped in his blanket, and he thought of the dance and how much he enjoyed the new experience. Josiah smiled remembering his dance with Rebecca; a much better memory than others in his life. Nodding off to a deep slumber he began to dream. Standing outside the dance hall in the rain Josiah could hear Tommy Dorsey, and he entered the hall finding his clothes dry. People were dancing ,and he heard Rebecca laughing! Walking forward Josiah stopped to her a ringing bell. It sounded so familiar, yet he couldn't quite remember where he had heard it.
Looking around the dance hall he found an open door leading down a poorly lit hallway. Fear, and anxiety filled Josiah with dread, but he pressed on. At the end of the hall he found a door on the left, and there he heard the faint sound of the ringing bell. He opened the door, and tears ran down his cheeks as he saw at the center of the room his mother in her bed.
A brilliant light shone from all the white linens. Josiahs mother lay in bed wearing a white gown, with white sheets, pillow cases, and bedspread. Her complexion was as white as the linens. Her hands were crossed on her chest, and her eyes were closed. Beside the bed was a night stand with the tiny bell on top; his mother used that bell all the time to call for him. Standing beside the bed Josiah remembered this day, for within a week his mother would be dead.. Opening her eyes she turned her face towards him, " Son, If you don't take better care of me this is what will happen to me. I will die, and it will be your fault.. Don't you love me son? If you love me you will take better care of me, because that is why you are here." Nothing Josiah could say or do would change this memory. She died years ago, and he felt guilt. She reached out to touch Josiah, but he backed away. He retraced his steps as she cried and begged him to stay. It seemed her voice grew louder the further he walked, but he kept going. Reaching the open door in the dance hall Josiah turned, and closed the heavy door.
Bright lights and laughter beckoned to Josiah, and the ring of the bell faded to nothing . Walking forward Josiah stepped into the main dance hall, and he looked for the prettiest girl. There standing at the other end of the hall was Rebecca. She glowed with beauty, and her smile eased his fears. She wore a yellow dress as warm as a sunny day, and her blonde hair shone so bright. Josiah worked his way through the crowd to her side.
Extending his hand Josiah asked,"May I have this dance, Rebecca?" His eyes saw only her in this crowded room. "Why thank you, I would," her smile grew brighter , and Josiah led her to the dance floor. Few words passed between the two; there was no need. They moved with grace around the dance floor, and they had no worries or cares in the world. He loved dancing with this girl ,and her smell reminded him of the first scent of honeysuckle. No one around seemed to exist while they danced together for what seemed like hours.
Finally looking around they stood in a meadow face to face surrounded by so many sounds, yet still only the other was center of attention. Josiah leaned forward and gently kissed Rebecca. and she smiled and returned the kiss. Josiah felt so warm, and the sky was so bright!
"About time you woke sleepy head," said Miss Gertie, "I do not know why your smiling but looks like you dreamed a good dream, Now lets get up. Many things to do." Miss Gertie left the room after waking Josiah, but he was so happy that Rebecca kissed him. There was nothing that spoiled his mood that day, for he recalled his dream of the lovely Rebecca!