Mother observes me from afar. I stand in the center of a black abyss. It is a darkness I have never experienced before; a black so dark it appears as though I am standing in nothing. The only thing visible is the outline of my mother. I cannot distinguish the features of her body, but I know it is her. She stands a great distance away from me. Still, I am adamant that it is her

"Mother?" I call into the distance. My voice is swallowed by the darkness. I look down at my hands but cannot see them. I reach out toward my mother.

"Mother!"

She extends her arm in such a way that I believe she is reaching back to me. But alternatively, she points her finger and taps the space in front of her. The space alights with several different circles of various colours. She presses the red button.

Suddenly my body becomes visible. A spotlight shines down on me from above. I am relieved to be able to see myself again; it brings me slight comfort. She taps another button.

My head jerks to the side. My neck is strained. I wish to move it but cannot. I rub my fingertips against my neck, attempting to move, but with no success. She taps another button.

My arms straighten against my sides. I panic. I cannot move them. She taps another button.

My legs stiffen, my stance uncomfortable and beyond my control. Suddenly I feel anger.

"Mother stop!" I yell. "Stop at once!"

Concentrating furiously, I am able to move my legs and arms, straightening my neck. She taps another button.

My arms lock behind my back as if I have been put in hand cuffs.

"Enough!"

She taps another button.

My head drops. The darkness swallows me once again.