He had suffered great abuse as a child, and while his was not an easy story to share, he was nearly finished writing his memoir. He had come to an open mic event for writers. The evening began with a potluck meal and casual conversation before the sharing began.
He began reading about himself as an innocent 5-year-old child, tied to a radiator, left in a rat and roach infested room in the dark.
As he read the horrendous account of what he had survived, the lights when out! The entire neighborhood was suddenly plunged into total darkness.
Three candles burned on the counter—having been lit by the hostess.
The lights flicked on and off a few times, and then off again. He moved over by the candles and continued reading in the dim light.
As he finished reading, the lights came back on.