Happened again -- only one day apart. This time, there was a 13.7.8 install to do, so I did that as my reboot. First, it would not work with my second monitor (the "displays" in system settings saw it, but no way to connect), so I rebooted again. only to be offered an update installation. The update didn't take. Rebooted into a power down, pressed the power button. The second display didn't activate again, so another reboot. I'm up and running.
OH, just to clarify, whenever this happens, I plug in a generic USB mouse. USB Keyboard: works fine, USB mouse (of any sort) dead.
I conclude that it is the USB mouse driver. with 13.7.8, I surely hope this problem goes away.