When I first discovered the DVD was missing, I tore my apartment apart.

The place is only 800 square feet. There are only so many places to which a wayward DVD can disappear.

I looked everywhere that made any sense and lots of places that didn't.

And yes, I looked in the cabinet where the DVD eventually showed up. I emptied it three times and put everything back bit by bit. There's no way I could have missed it.

I was sure I had accidentally tossed it. It was the only thing that made any sense.

I've been in that cabinet several times since the great DVD search. Almost daily, in fact.

But when I opened the cabinet to grab a towel earlier this week, there it was. The yellow, blue, green and red case of "Rent" was staring back at me from the top shelf. In plain sight. Right in front of my face.

I'm sure it wasn't there before. And I live alone, except for my cat, Hercules. While he is known for a bit of kitty kleptomania (He usually returns things, eventually.), this particular cabinet it too high for him to have nicked the disc. It's the one cabinet in the place he can't reach to open.

So, how is it possible I missed it? I don't think it is. I'm sure it's not.

I think gremlins are at work. Or perhaps I have a ghost.

My friend Scott (of The Unexplained) has told us about the ghost in his house, Matilda. Scott says she often moves things around. It's become something of a running joke for his family. "Misplace a pen? Matilda took it! House left unlocked? Matilda invited friends over!"

I do believe in ghosts. My sister and I had one when we shared a house in the historic Willo district years ago. Some day I'll tell you about Grandma and her cat.

But I didn't think I had a ghost in the apartment.

Maybe I was mistaken. My car keys do seem to end up in weird places pretty often. (They were in the refrigerator this morning.)

Scott has another theory. He says it's a sign -- the universe telling me to get my butt in gear and watch "The Secret." He was kind enough to loan me his DVD a few weeks ago, but I haven't gotten around to actually watching it yet. (No, I didn't lose it. I just haven't done anything with it. Scott has, though. He says he's seen The Secret in action.)

Lost DVD found as a symbol for the one sitting on my entertainment center waiting to be watched. I can see that. My sister, who's also been on me to watch "The Secret" would go so far as to say the found movie itself -- "Rent" -- has significance. You know, taking ownership of your life and your emotions. All interesting thoughts, to be sure.

Hmmm. When the universe sends a sign -- even if it is as simple as returning a lost DVD -- it's probably a good idea to listen.