LA SOMNAMBULA

Everytime I listen to Bellini’s grand opera, La Somnambula, I am reminded of my friend’s unforgettable nightmare, an experience, which had brought the best and worst out of his guts.

When we first arrived in Saudi, we were assigned apartments in different areas. A flat with three rooms would house six employees, each room shared by two expats. Of course, we were all briefly introduced to each other at the pre-departure orientation. Francis became my buddy-buddy ‘coz he’s so fun to be with, very jolly, always had story to tell. He was in complete contrast with his roommate, who was so silent, not smiling, never uttered a word unless spoken to. He was always in the confine of his small world, his bed.

All went well in the flat during the first three days, but everything dramatically changed on the fourth night. Francis was awakened by loud repeated squeaking sound. His first reaction was to look at the clock on his side table. It was two o’clock in the morning. When he turned his face to the direction of the sound, he was surprised to see his roommate trying to force open the door leading to the terrace. An eerie feeling came rushing down his spine. What on earth would his roommate be doing at this hour of night? Gathering his composure, he asked him what was wrong, but didn’t get a reply, instead continued turning the doorknob, his eyes were opened but seemed not conscious of what he was doing. Francis stood up and shook him, suddenly he stopped moving, just stood there, his eyes were fixed on the door. Francis guided him back to his bed. He looked around first and got back to sleep. It seemed nothing happened.

Francis did not bother to talk to his roommate about the incident of the previous night. I encouraged him to request transfer of room assignment immediately, which would mean an agonizing three to four days wait.

The ensuing night was even more frighteninggggg!!!

What happened to Francis? Aaahhhhhh!!!

To be continued!!!