Chapter 9: The Significance, Pt. 2

Dream sequence (continued)

The Detective sighed. Let's get this over with, whatever it is. The sooner I get on with it, the sooner I don't have to listen to these clichés. This whole thing reminded him of those movies with…with angels or superheroes leading and saving the common man.

I guess Fraser's my 'guardian angel', he thought brusquely. He pictured Benny in angel attire, but didn't laugh. It actually almost fit.

So then the role of the superhero would belong to…Gardino. The Detective recalled and pictured a couple Halloweens ago when Gardino attempted to dress up as Superman. What a riot that was.

Fraser cut into his thoughts. "May I remind you to focus."

Ray snapped back to attention. He could think about Super Gardino later.

Fraser waited until Ray seemed to be listening. "So, why don't you start with what you do know. What does this room mean to you?"

Ray stopped and focused on the question. "I think that this room maybe…doesn't have me trapped, but sort of confined so I will pay attention."

Fraser nodded, signaling that Ray was on the right track.

"So now that I am focused, I feel…less restricted?"

Again, Fraser nodded. "That's why this room is opening up and more light is beaming in. You're letting it because you're starting to see things more visibly."

"But, what's with the green?" Ray emphasized, waving his hand at the walls.

"What do you think of when you look at green?" Fraser inquired.

Ray answered. "I don't know, wealth? Nature?"

"That it does. But in this case, it exemplifies an emotional tie to safety, which can be associated with wealth, as well as exhibiting growth, which is in nature."

"So…you're saying that I feel this place is "okay" now since I am starting to understand and 'grow'?"

"That's right."

"Okay, then answer this. I'm speaking as if I actually get this intellect stuff, but that isn't really how I am."

"You are only a part of who you are when you're in here," Fraser articulated.

"But I thought who I was in here is who I'm suppose to be."

"You're starting to get off track."

Ray rolled his eyes.

"Remember that you are here to find meaning, not compare your conscious and subconscious self." The Mountie let the statement take hold.

Fraser then spoke his last words before departing. "Just having a willingness is enough to find what you are looking for. Many people underestimate the power of seeking." He nodded. "Remember that."

As soon as Fraser finished speaking, he disappeared. Not in thin air, but not in smoke.

A faint voice came through.

"Hey buddy, buddy…"

End Dream Sequence

The Detective's eyes flicked opened. To the bartender in front of him.

The bartender smiled, showing a missing tooth but nonetheless, gleaming in his expression humourously.

Before Ray had the chance to speak, the man cut in.

"I saw you nod off a few minutes ago when I dropped off your drink in front of ya. I was about to shake ya, but then more customers came in. So I had to go see what they wanted. Sorry 'bout that."

Ray gave him a partial reassuring look. "Don't worry about it." His eyes fell on the drink. He no longer wanted it, and felt like he wasn't much for alcohol anymore – it seemed meaningless, at least for that moment. He didn't know if it would follow him down the road. But the bartender had been good to him, so he gulped it down.

"Thanks. How much do I owe ya?"

The bartender gruffly smiled, which reminded Ray of a bulldog and its unappreciated charm. "On the house. But could I ask ya one thing?"

The Detective nodded.

"Did you find what you were looking for?"

There was a slight understanding in Ray's eyes. "I got a little more understanding if that's what you mean."

The bartender gave another grin, and happily went on his way, like Santa Claus finishing his duty of giving gifts to the little ones.

Side note: When I first wrote Chapter 8, it ran a little long, so I split it into two parts.