I was asked to return to the institute of higher learning where I last worked as a lecturer to take on the role of university president.
On the first day of the new term, I was to address the entire staff, presenting my vision for the future of the school.
I had prepared a stack of documents, reports and media clippings which were to serve as my points of reference during my speech.
The auditorium was filled to capacity and just as I was going to take the dais, I was overcome with the sudden urge to blow my nose as my allergies had been acting up and I was worried if I took to the podium sniffling and wheezing, it might be thought I was suffering from COVID-19.
I told my secretary I was going to the restroom and asked her to make an announcement about the short delay.
I returned and took the stage and set my stack of papers and notes on a long table.
I was told to deliver my speech from the table instead of the lectern as a precaution seeing how the latter was too close to those seated in the front row.
I began my speech talking about my vision for transforming the school into an ecological haven and outlined a plan for reducing paper and plastic while dramatically reducing the school's annual budget.
I retrieved a red laminated page taken from a catalog that illustrated the positive impact purchasing office supplies from this particular supplier would have, and when I mentioned the school would save between three and eight per cent annually by switching to this supplier, the entire auditorium burst out into applause and exuberant cheers.
Thinking my speech had concluded, the attendees began leaving the hall, walking past my table with offers of congratulations and good luck.
Then I woke up.
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