Dreams

“So, like, how does this work?”

“Oh, dude. You’ve never smoked before?” Jer chortled, slapping Derek on the back.

“I had kind of a sheltered life.” Derek glanced around. Kids were sprawled on beanbags and couches, staring into space. Some were giggling.

“Well, you are in for the ride of your life, bro. Here, siddown.” Jer fumbled in his pockets and came out with a complicated device, all gears and tubes. “First, you just stick the one end in your ear.” He demonstrated. The machine whirred. “It sucks out the dreams. Then you light the wick here and just breathe.”