mrs. conroy was having trouble waking up. she staggered to her feet. the bus driver took her arm and helped her down the aisle. as she stepped off the bus, she felt a sense of panic. "wait a minute," she said in a shrill voice. "this isn`t essex avenue. where am i? how can i get home?"

　　"cool off, lady. i told you, you`re at the end of the line. we all make it here sooner or later."

　　"but why can`t i ride back with you?" she pleaded. "i have the fare!"

　　"sorry, lady," he said as he closed the door. "it`s against the rules."

　　mrs. conroy watched the bus disappear down the road. she looked around and tried to figure out what part of the city she was in. suddenly the sun seemed awfully bright.

　　mrs. conroy squinted. she didn`t recognize this place. there were no trees around, no street signs, and no people. the city seemed to have ended miles back. she couldn`t get her bearings. there was nothing to see in any direction. nothing at all. mrs. conroy wondered if she were still dreaming.

　　"are you ready, madam?"

　　the voice came from behind her. mrs. conroy whirled around, her heart beating rapidly.

　　"who? what? are you speaking to me?"

　　a tall, handsome man in a blue pin-striped suit stepped forward. his suit reminded her of the one that her boss, mr. burton, always wore. what was a businessman doing so far out here in the country?

　　the man smiled. "yes, mrs. conroy. i`ve come to meet you. it`s time to go now."

　　"go where? what are you talking about? and how do you know my name?" the man in the blue suit smiled.

　　"i know it must be very confusing, mrs. conroy. most people seem to feel that way at first. but as we go along, everything will become quite clear." he took her by the arm. "it`s all right," he said kindly. "just come with me."

　　"no! i`m not going anywhere with you. why should i? i don`t even know who you are," mrs. conroy said. she pulled away from the man and stepped back.