Lately I’ve been sparing myself one of life’s annoyances — I’ve not been setting the alarm. This is because I wake early anyway and must be at the office late. But this morning I was back to the familiar insistent beeping. An early dental appointment requires the utmost punctuality.

One difference between non-alarmed and alarmed wake-ups is that dreams seem closer to the surface with the latter. This morning’s was, ironically, that I had missed the very dental appointment I woke up early for. There was no real reason supplied, just inertia, lack of interest — which, if you’re going to miss a dental appointment is an excellent reason to do so — but my subconscious was not buying it.

So here I am, still groggy, needing to leave in half an hour. Because if I don’t, my dream will come true. And not in a good way.