You are Robert, although some people call you "Bob," or "Rob," and there's this one person who, for some reason, calls you "Wayne." (Who know why-- then again, she is that strange lady down the hall with all those stuffed animals and too many cats.)
All in all, right now, life seems pretty boring and pointless. Although it is probably the typical mid-life crisis, knowing that only seems to make it worse. How can a "crisis" be boring? Joints aching, just like everyone else at your age? Check! Lack of energy? Check! Gray hairs where you don't want them? Check! Feeling trapped in dead end job? Check! So far, not one unique or unusual symptom. Phooey!
It is late at night-- you've been stuck working a late, second shift supply clerk job for the past ten years, waiting for a first shift opening which ISN'T snapped up by someone with more seniority-- and are walking across the now deserted parking lot, to the remote stall your little, aging car is parked in. At first you think you see the flashes of light which sometimes signals the beginning of a migraine. Only this one stays put when you instinctively turn your head. It looks like an incredibly bright, green star.
A half-formed wish comes into your mind-- a wish for some sort of CHANGE, some sort of MAGIC to come into your life, when the light, which you now see is moving, almost straight toward you, suddenly flares brighter. The light goes from green to a bright, blue-white color. Without warning, the light bursts into hundred of fragments, followed by a powerful blast of hot wind and a sound light thunder. You are knocked onto your back, a dull pain emanates from the back of your head, and you are gasping to breath.
Whatever it was, it was closer than you thought!
"What kind of idiot are you!" demands a voice from nearby. Something is strange about the voice... "Don't just stand there when a dragon is hunting! Go for shelter! It will just come back around any moment now!"
Eyes recovering from the flash of light, chest still heaving from having the wind knocked out of your lungs, you get partway up, and finally have a good look at whoever was scolding you...