The Hour

The wiring of the air conditioning was resonating inside John skull like a church organ.

- “… you even listening to me”, his wife said. “I can’t believe you! Getting drunk like … like … a teenager. When did you even have time to drink?”.

He didn’t say anything but similar questions were forming in John’s mind as well. As the blur went away, he started to ask himself if he was drunk. He didn’t feel drunk and he was never a drinker. The bigger conundrum for John was: when did they get into the car.

- “You better not throw up! I’ll open the window!”, the misses lectured him

- “I’m not drunk!”, John managed with a weak voice.”What happened ? Where are we going?”

- “We’re going home, John! Since you decided to act like a child and embarrass me in front of my boss and friends”.

- “I don’t know what you mean. I had … a sip of champagne … ”, retorted John with clarity and fixating his wife’s profile. This wasn’t a joke, she was really mad. “Clare, look at me! I’m not drunk! Tell me what happened, how did I embarrass … myself?”

- “Stop it, please!”, she said in a soft voice, close to crying. She glanced at him and, he was right, he didn’t look drunk. “You really don’t remember?”. She put her hand on his forehead: “You were speaking in tongues!”.

- “I remember meeting George and Linda. I got some food and a glass of champagne and next thing I’m in the car”. Her hand felt good and broke the tension. Then John really focused on his wife words: “Wait, what do you mean I was speaking in tongues?”

- “You disappeared for … a few minutes and … we found you sitting in one of the small bedrooms … You really can’t remember?”

- “NO”, he shouted. “What bedroom? What tongues?”

- “You we’re sitting on the floor”, she said with tears rolling on her cheek. “And you were speaking some strange language, like an incantation. I’m scared John!”

- “Who was with you? Did anyone else see this?”

- “Everybody was there. Linda found you and she came to get us. I think you we’re drugged!“.

John thought for a few beats and his mind was clear and yet no recollection: ”Did anyone record this? On their phone?”

- “No, I don’t think so!” she said wiping away some tears.

- “It’s 2025 and nobody pulled out a phone ?”, John said, but he knew his friends wouldn’t do that.

- “We didn’t know what to do”, his wife continued. “I shook you and George splashed some water on you, but you kept going with the … strange voices. Linda wanted to call 911, but I told them you just need some rest and to help me carry you to the car.”.

John glanced at the clock and said: “I wasn’t drugged, those don’t wear off that soon, I didn’t drink or smoke anything, I’m not even that stressed at work.”

- “It was really scary, John!”

- “How do you think I feel? I can’t remember the last hour of my life!” he shouted again and he realized it. “I’m sorry! Find a place to stop the car! Please.”

She pulled over and John got out and took some deep breaths of the fresh night air. His wife got out and was trying to keep back her tears and fix her make-up in the side mirror. John went and hugged her.

- “I don’t know what happened but its gonna be ok. I love you!”

- “Should we call Dr. Stevenson?”, she asked.

John answered with a cocked eyebrow: “Or maybe a priest?!?”