Sam felt himself settle again. Opening his eyes, he found himself laying on a bed in an empty, white room. To his right was a sliding door. Getting slowly to his feet, he stood for a moment to get his bearings. What had just happened? Oh, yes! This was the waiting room. He was home!
"Donna! Al!" Sam called as he strode quickly out the door and down the corridor. Ahead he saw a familiar form, one that had seen him through many an adventure.
"Al!" he called.
Al turned. "Hi, Sam," he replied.
Sam grabbed Al in a big hug. "Al, it's so good to see you!"
Al stood back and looked at him, puzzlement clearly showing on his face. "Good to see you, too. To what do I owe this enthusiastic greeting?"
"Al, quit kidding, will you? I'm back. After all this time, I'm finally back! Where's Donna?"
"Yes, I'm sure the trip to the candy machine was quite an adventure," Al replied sarcastically. "I'm proud of you that you were able to find your way back. But if I were you, I'd lay off the Snickers bars for awhile. They're messing you up."
"Al, what are you talking about? I've been gone for what, five, six years? This is the welcome I get?"
"Okay, Sam, what do you and Ziggy have planned this time?" Al asked wearily. "I have to meet with the Senate Committee in about six hours, and I really don't have time for riddles, especially when they deal with ex-fiancées."
Sam suddenly felt his blood run cold. "You don't remember?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Remember what?"
"Al, what's the date?"
"March 28."
"What year?"
"What'd ya mean, what year?"
"Just tell me."
"1995."
"Oh, boy!"