The surging waters brought new waves of strength. Strength was what he needed now, to pacify the incongruous undulations that possessed his mind, to vanquish the valor of the monster of gloom. He felt the warm, wet texture of the golden sand beneath his skin.

The soothing breeze gently caressed his body. It seemed to be simply wandering about, in no hurry to get anywhere in particular. As he inhaled, he felt the warmth and pressure of the wind traveling from his nostrils through his throat, filling up his lungs. He held it there for a while, letting it revi-talize his whole being. Exhaling slowly, he could sense the wind cajoling his tension out. From where he lay, he could see the arc of swinging palm trees bordering the sandy beach.

He became conscious as to what he had negligently thrown away, and how much he was missing it. So occupied had he become, so full of activity, answering the crazy challenges of his hectic life, that he had even forgotten to breathe! He had become a zombie, an android. He took another deep breath, sensing the gratifying smell of the sea with the breeze. Filling his lungs completely, he relaxed and let go. Now was the time to rectify his mistake. Now was the time to get a grip.

He closed his eyes and inhaled again, his ears tuned in to the melodious music of the waters. He had discovered Ambrosia. The inner alchemist had directed him toward the elixir of life. He could now resurrect himself. He could drive away the monster that possessed him. The world would have to wait. He inhaled again, and again, and again...

He heard a soft knock on the door, and knew that it had to be his wife. When he opened his eyes, the sea and the palm trees had disappeared. Nevertheless, the elixir had taken effect; he felt completely relaxed and rejuvenated.

"It's your client," his wife held out his mobile phone in her hand, "and he says it's very urgent."

"Hello, old man," he smiled into the phone, "if it's business you want to discuss, please call me tomorrow at office time... Yes, I understand it's urgent, but it will have to wait until morning, please... Thank you. Good night, and don't forget to breathe." He smiled at the look of utter astonishment on his wife's face. "Just happy to be alive again, dear." He switched off his cell phone.