the couple paced quickly towards their car
on the crisp winter night.
the new moon illuminated the stars above the mountains.
while in transit,
they anticipated rest before the next work day.
barely awake,
the woman passenger focused on a pulsating light through the rear mirror.
before she could speak,
her driver reassured...
'Just 10 more minutes after this tunnel'
...
disoriented,
they arrive in the driveway.
exiting the vehicle,
only now it sinks in that it is daylight.
8 hours from which they departed last night.
with a triangle shaped scar below each right knuckle and no recollection of the lost time.