When I signed up for today's Inside Column, it was suggested that I write something relevant. Well, I don't exactly know what that means, but instead of something important, sensible and relevant, I got something here stupid, fun, and silly. Enjoy!

On the first weekend of this month, October, I had a chance to go to Chicago to attend, oh, let's say a "nice little gathering of folk." Oh yeah, I had fun at this rave, but there is one incident that I always recall from that night more than any other event.

One thing still lingers in my mind from that night. No, it's not losing my camera (which I still regret but accept) or my contemplation of the following morning (which also brought to light another aspect of myself). It's about this small, multi-colored bracelet. I'm not usually into ornamenting my looks, particularly when the ornaments come with bright colors (okay, the hair is an exception).

I first got this bracelet when I was playing drunk and lying on the edge of the dance floor. Then two people walked nearby and looked down on me. One was a guy and the other was a girl. The girl reached down, took hold of my left arm, and put a bracelet on me. Then they walked off before I was able to get up and thank them. I was so surprised by this that there was a momentary pause after they put the bracelet on me and before I got up. I really didn't get a good look at them. I couldn't recognize them if I ever saw them again. All I have is this one bracelet that I'm looking at right now. It is a small hand-made bracelet that consists of round plastic beads and three other beads in the shapes of a butterfly, star, and a flower, respectively. It is all held together by a single string of elastic. Again, I am looking at it in my hand, puzzled by why I have it.

What does this mean? What kind of sign is this? Of course, thinking rationally, I could assume that this was just a random action brought about the influence of this crazy environment. Nothing more, nothing less. Yet, there is something inside of me that wants to make something more of this whole thing. I know it's silly, but I want to make meaning of this bracelet. Is this a sign? Does it mean something will happen, an omen of what will be? Is this a reminder of something long forgotten, an artifact of the past? Does this bracelet signify the unity and friendship that should be part of such a night like this? Maybe it is just a simple sign that there are people out there, people that you may not even know about but still live in the same world as you do. When I look at my rave bracelet, I have an unclear feeling. It is not an ominous feeling, but rather it is a feeling of optimism, a feeling of hope.

Of course, when I think about it, I might just be making this all up in my head. Then again, creativity and imagination is more important than rationale and intelligence. If you see me around in my almost perpetual black garb, take a look at my left wrist. If you see something colorful, then that probably means that I'm feeling more reassured on that day.

• My Little Rave Bracelet