I remember the first time I saw the red ball.
Sitting in my office, preparing for the week, red began to seep into the corner of my eye. I glanced over and saw a small, bright red ball roll from the front hall into my office’s doorway. I continued working, but could feel it moving about, trying to get my attention. I turned slowly as if I were trying to catch the ball in the act. Once it saw me it stopped. I stared for five minutes, it stayed perfectly still, as if it knew I was watching.
I convinced myself that I was crazy. Balls don’t roll themselves, and they certainly aren’t aware of their surroundings.
I didn’t see the ball leave my door, but it was gone. It stayed gone for a long time.