The business card left in my mailbox was unassuming.

A small white font affixed to a black background, but its claim was bold.

There is now an in-dream hotline you can call to escape nightmares.

Simply find a red rotary phone in your dreamscape, dislocate it from the receiver, and choose

a number to be connected.

A good night's sleep is just around the corner.

It had all the makings of a half-hearted prank from a friend, Josh.

After all, he was the only person I had ever told about my recent night terrors.

But stooping that low just for a cheap laugh, he knew my nightmares were deeply personal,

all involving my deceased father.

Would he really go that far?

Because Josh was a funny guy, he could be sentimental when the time called for it.

I wondered if this was less a prank and more of an offering of relief during a tough time.

His way of telling me there would eventually be a way out, a light at the end of the tunnel.

A discomfort in this, opting not to reach out in case he decided to go back on it, laughing

my face.

However, caring the man could be, he detested heart to heart moments.

Thanks, Josh.

I guess I needed this.

With a slight smile, I placed the card in my pocket.

I went about my day, grateful for the gesture.

Unfortunately, it would not be enough to keep my demons at bay.

...