The room was far bigger than I had thought, with many alcoves and areas sectioned off by chest-high barriers as in a steakhouse. Paul bought himself a pint of bitter and seemed dismayed when I asked for a dry white wine spritzer. I resolved then, though, and have never changed my mind since, that, if I was going swinging, I wanted to be alert and awake to every moment of the experience. I wanted to retain my memories.

I was right. I cherish every one of them.