Two of Pharaoh's officials land in Joseph's prison—the cupbearer and the baker. Both dream. Both are troubled. Joseph notices: "Why do you look so sad today?" He interprets their dreams. For the cupbearer: three branches mean three days; you'll be restored to Pharaoh's service. For the baker: three baskets mean three days; Pharaoh will hang you. Same phrase—"lift up your head"—opposite outcomes. Both interpretations prove true. Joseph makes one request of the cupbearer: "Remember me when it is well with you. Mention me to Pharaoh." The cupbearer is restored to his position. The baker is executed. "Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him." Two full years of silence follow. The dreamer who interpreted dreams is left waiting in a pit, wondering if his own dreams were lies. Being forgotten is its own kind of prison.

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