what a birthday

[not_a_quaker]

The first thing I notice when I wake up is that my bed is much more comfortable than it was when I went to sleep. Then I open my eyes, and see that not only is it much larger, it's also got a sort of strange canopy over it, with some kind of image on it overhead that looks like the sky. There's a card on the pillow next to me that simply says To

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[dale_cooper_fbi]

Dale was unaware of any island goings-on when he left his home that morning and headed down to the compound. As far as he knew, by island standards, it was a perfectly ordinary day.

"Ma'am," he said as he passed an unfamiliar woman on the path. Unfamiliar on the island, that was; like so many, he recognized the face.

[not_a_quaker]

It was a strange thing indeed to go unrecognized by a fellow council member, one I've jogged with at that. "Good morning, Dale," I greet, a somewhat wry smile on my face.

[dale_cooper_fbi]

This time, having been recognized, Dale took a much closer look at the woman, calling upon his vast experience to take in her posture, the cadence of her voice, and her clothing, not to mention the well-known whims of the island, in order to make an educated guess.

"Dick?" he said finally.

[not_a_quaker]

I nod a confirmation. "The very same," I reply, holding my jacket tight around me with one hand. "I guess it was my turn to be subject to one of these island pranks I've been hearing about."

[dale_cooper_fbi]

"It certainly seems that way," said Dale, and wasn't ashamed of his admiration. "It looks as though you're coping quite well, though. Have you been by the office at all? We should file a report."

[not_a_quaker]

"No, I haven't, though that's a good idea," I agree, even though part of me automatically bristles at the word 'report'. "I just need to find something to wear I'm not swimming in, first."