an artful murder

I am the daughter of a wealthy family in the Presidio. We collect art, we give great parties, we dress up with pearls in pale colors. I am quite happy but very shy and awkward - my older sister is a dazzling beauty, and I just can't compete with her. I love her, however, and I'm not jealous at all.

My family is throwing a particularly lavish party one weekend. The guests have stayed in our gigantic home and we are now all gathering in the morning for a tasteful little brunch. My sister is not there. Apprehensive, I go to her room and discover that she has been murdered during the night.

Shock and horror are absorbed quickly (it's a dream). In the room, I notice that there is a painting I have never seen before. It is a strange painting, of a woman in bed, but floating strangely above the mattress. Then I realize that there are actually two women in the bed. To me, this is a clear sign that the murderer is planning to kill again. I think that I am the probable victim.

I am quite horrified, naturally; I begin to regard all my guests with suspicion. The police come, inspect the room, and leave without comment. I am unsure of what to do.

Then my sister's boyfriend comes to my room. He seems to need companionship. I can understand that he is quite distraught, but I feel guilty. He is very handsome, and charming, and it's difficult not to be attracted to him. As we talk, I am more and more overcome by my sense of longing and wistfulness. Perhaps I just want someone to hold me. To my utter surprise, he embraces me. As we kiss, I know for certain that he must be the murderer and I his next victim. But somehow I feel rather serene about this knowledge.

We are about to get into bed together and then I wake up.