Where the boulder once rested, there was now a cave-like entrance, only this was unlike any ordinary cavern. The walls and ceiling consisted of a brown, stony surface. However, the rest of the interior was more like a home than anything else. Several red and white floral rugs lined the floor, one of them crossed into a hallway to the right of the grotto’s mouth. Another went straight back into the cave and on its left side lay a lovely wooden staircase. Its path, where the top of the massive boulder previously rested, now led to a freshly revealed balcony. Black metal railing delicately lined each of its ledges, demonstrating a comforting security there. At the end of the balcony, barely visible from her current position, she saw a solid, white door with an almost illuminated silver handle.
“Wow!” Renee was in shock. The sight before her was so incredibly strange and marvelous, it seemed surreal.
As though to confirm the solidity of the structure, the cardinal flew to the balcony’s railing. He then perched there, cocked his head and let out a brief whistle in an almost I told you so manner.
“Yea, yea, little guy, you were right, staying here was a good choice.” I wonder why he didn’t just show me this last night? The question left Renee completely befuddled. Nevertheless, she was here now and this could be her ticket to finding Sam.
Wait, Sam would’ve never known this was here. After all, the entrance was completely blocked by that boulder. On the other hand, this was her only possible lead to finding civilization. Hopefully, she could find some adult help to discover Sam’s location and to get them both back home. Do I actually want to go home…hm…either way I must try to find Sam…that much I know without a doubt.
Without another moment of hesitation, Renee approached the cave’s entrance. Leaves crunched beneath her feet with an almost drum roll effect. Stepping into the cave, her attention was immediately drawn to the hallway down the right. The red and white rug that ran down it faded into complete blackness. The appearance of the hallway itself was terrifying. Yet somehow, it was drawing Renee closer. She made a ninety degree turn to her right, completely facing the dark hall. Her curiosity ignited and, for a moment, she completely forgot about the doorway above. Her feet seemed to be guiding themselves as she stepped towards the darkness. Above, the cardinal chirped frantically, drawing Renee out of her trance-like state. Looking up, she saw genuine concern in the eyes of her feathered friend. What was I thinking?
Without another glance down the seemingly forbidden hall, Renee rushed up the stairs towards the balcony. In an instant, she was standing in front of the doorway. Renee paused here as two feelings overwhelmed her. One was of an overpowering sense of hope for what could lay beyond. The other was a fear she would not discover the assistance and guidance she so anxiously sought. Despite the troublesome thought, she knew this was her only chance.
With a deep breath, Renee closed her eyes, grasped the handle, and turned the knob. The door creaked as though with the sighs and relief of a thousand travelers before her as she pulled it slowly open. As her view beyond the door slowly unveiled...
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10. Class Preparation
Back in the classroom, Ms. Morrison reached for her lesson plan. She reviewed its remaining contents for the day before her young followers arrived, all of whom apparently opted for a restroom break. Looking down, she saw a note reminding her of a class field trip to the town’s infamous Hacker’s Forest. Looking at the notation, she swallowed hard. It had been years since she had entered that horrible place. It was a location of dread in her mind for some time now. You can do this. You are a strong, independent woman…Am I though?
Ms. Morrison may have convinced the entire school, but her own self doubts arose. She considered addressing her concerns about the field trip with the principal. Perhaps she should simply be honest about her hesitancy regarding the issue. After all, she and Principal Herbert had grown quite close. If anyone was to understand her unique tale, it would be him. No, he may yet deem me as unfit to teach. No matter what, he must not know the whole truth about what happened…the less information, the better. She could always blame it on the hazardous environment and potential safety risks. After all, a child did die there some years ago, that fact alone should certainly get their attention. Yes, that is how I can plead my case. It is logical and limitedly factual, perfect!
The sound of tromping, tiny feet and light giggles came floating down the hallway. As Ms. Morrison watched, the class members poured through the door one-by-one, immediately taking their seats. Their feigned eagerness was more out of respectful fear than excitement. They knew the rules of her classroom and only Danny was brave enough to openly defy Ms. Morrison. The child did just that as he walked over to the classroom hamster cage and started taunting the poor creature with an indeterminable crumb. Ms. Morrison immediately addressed the child’s inappropriate behavior. “Danny Whitfield, what do you think you are doing?” She was not in the mood for his shenanigans, not after seeing that note.
“Nothing, Ms. Morrison” A smug look crossed the 3rd grader’s face. He adored defiance as much as Ms. Morrison adored obedience.
“Well, you have three seconds to return to your seat. One….” Danny did not move. “Two…” Ms. Morrison was already contemplating the child’s punishment. Perhaps she would have him sit alone in the corner for the remainder of class. As though he knew her thoughts, Danny rushed over and made it to his seat before the dreaded ‘three’ was released from her lips. “Very well then.” It was yet another victory for Ms. Morrison.
At this time, Ms. Wilkins finally made her way into the classroom, following up the last of the students. Her sweet demeanor and extremely gentle ways often led her to a personal state of fluster and frustration. Signs she was clearly demonstrating now. Nevertheless, Ms. Morrison needed to address this critical matter so the assistant would have to manage without her temporarily. “Ms. Wilkins, I must see the principal immediately. Can you complete the lesson plan for the afternoon?”
Ms. Wilkins’ pale face and dripping sweat screamed a resounding no. However, the children were not the only ones with a fearful respect of Ms. Morrison. “Absolutely, Ms. Morrison” She managed a weak smile with the response.
“Wonderful!” Then Ms. Morrison’s voice dropped to a whisper, “Do not mention anything about the field trip next week.”
“Yes ma’am.” Ms. Wilkins wore an inquiring expression, but she did not dare question her superior, especially in front of the children.
“Now class, will you be respectful and obey Ms. Wilkins for me?”
“Yes ma’am!” chirped fifteen young voices. Ms. Morrison knew it was likely a lie, but she would enjoy handing out the repercussions for any bad behavior later. After all, she spent quite some time working up extra homework as the result of a lesson plan mix-up. This would certainly provide an excellent opportunity to assign it. Without another moment of delay, she spun around and exited through the door, on a mission to see Principal Herbert.
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11. FIREWORKS
In front of her now stood one of the most handsome men in the world. He was six feet tall with broad, muscular shoulders. The jeans and red polo covering his body could not disguise the perfection of its form. Visually working her way up the man, his face left Emily completely off guard. His jaw line was strong and defined, his hair jet black as her own. When she finally dared to look into his eyes, sparkling pools of blue destiny stared back at her. Whoa! The moment her mind acknowledged all that she was absorbing, something incredible happened. Amongst the overly loud tune of the long forgotten music, a loud popping sound made its presence known. Fireworks were going off, literally. For a split second Emily’s attention was drawn to the brilliant lights in the sky. Her whole body tingled with chills and desires.
“Dr. Ortega, I need your assistance with treating my new friend. Her arm is badly wounded.” Lucy’s voice came as a shock, pulling Emily out of her mind’s trance. She suddenly realized her jaw was hanging open.
She quickly snapped it shut, correcting her mistake. Looking back up at the sky, she saw no sign of the incredible light show. Was that all in my head? Well either way now this guy is going to think I’m some kind of loony person…or worse….a creep. Embarrassment filled her and Emily transitioned her focus to her arm. Though she was not actively aware, she now realized she was holding it with her right hand the entire time. With Lucy and the doctor standing there in silence, the focus was all on her. She felt an ever growing need to speak. “The pain is rather severe.” She did not know what else to say. Her words entirely escaped her.
“Well come in; I will treat you immediately.” He met her eyes as he said this and offered a powerful, yet gentle, smile as reassurance. Emily was hooked. Changing his gaze to Lucy, the doctor asked, “Will you lead her to my back office, please?”
Lucy nodded in acknowledgment, as a flash of irritation crossed her eyes.
Why would she be annoyed? It makes no sense. Before Emily contemplated further, she was guided through the incredible house. The entranceway which led to what Emily assumed to be the living room (or one of them at least) was not unlike any ordinary cabin in its basic design. However, its size was massive. Whole oak logs lined the walls supported by enormous beams stretching across the elegantly vaulted ceiling.
The sight reminded Emily of something. Her mind wandered off as she recollected a vacation she and her family took. They stayed in a log cabin not severely unlike this one, only a mere tenth the size. It was one of her last happy memories of them as a family. She, with her mother and father, went boating at the nearby lake several times that trip. They all laughed and smiled and were filled with joy. The Sunday following that venture, everything changed. Thinking of them now, particularly her father, left a bitter taste in Emily’s mouth. In many ways, she despised him as much as herself.
“This way” Lucy was now turning down a hallway, distracting Emily from her thoughts. The corridor was lined with tan carpeting here. Plastered and painted walls overruled the log architecture previously displayed. It almost looked like a different house entirely. The ceiling was the only indication otherwise. It still displayed the lovely wooden design. The hallway itself seemed to stretch on for an eternity. Closed doors lined its sides, taunting Emily of the secrets hidden within. Finally one rested open, easing her curiosity. Stopping to glance inside, Emily saw a completely empty room with a ladder that reached up beyond what the door frame would allow her to see.
“This way, come on.” Lucy’s voice became demanding at Emily’s pause.
Wow…bitchy much? Emily kept the thought to herself and proceeded forward for the sake of her arm. They were almost at the end of the hallway now. Emily was surprised it actually had an end.
Lucy approached the last door on the right. “This is it.” She opened it and pointed her open right hand towards the room, signaling Emily’s entrance. Emily had yet to walk directly in front of Lucy. The thought of exposing her back made her feel vulnerable. Despite all the marvelous sights, she certainly did not trust the woman. After all, there were still far too many unanswered questions. I got it!
“After you” Emily nodded her head towards the room with an ever so polite smile.
Seemingly frustrated again, Lucy put on her acting smile and stepped through the door. “I hope you will grow to trust me,” she said smugly as though it was inevitable. It was the first time Lucy was so direct about her thoughts. It caught Emily so off guard and she didn't not know how to react. Thankfully, she didn't have to, as there was a tap on the open door.
“Hope I’m not interrupting anything.” The doctor’s voice was calm and collective. Emily could not help but wonder how he got there so quickly. She was certain she didn't hear anyone following them.
Then another, seemingly more important question crossed her mind. Where did he go anyway? It didn't make sense why he would have Lucy lead the girl solo while following immediately behind them. Only one thing was absolutely clear to her. Everything about this place is odd.
“I do not think we were properly introduced. My name is Ethan…..and you are?” Enchanted! Emily froze. With Ethan’s attention geared toward her, all of Emily's higher brain functioning ceased. She pushed past it, looking away at the floor, to regain herself. “I’m so sorry. I’m Emily.” The words eked out of her like a lunch lost. It was certainly not smooth, but it would have to suffice.
“Ok, Emily, may I ask you to take a seat, please?” Everything he said was firm yet gentle. Emily was starting to question her doubts about love at first sight. The thought of Kyle’s existence completely left her mind. “…so I can examine your arm” he insisted.
Again, Emily felt embarrassed. She scanned the room and immediately noticed a large bench that looked like one straight out of a hospital room. Wait….something about that is familiar…Without completely processing the thought Emily’s attention was drawn to the waiting eyes of Ethan and Lucy. She hastily rushed toward the unique bench and hopped up.
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12. NEVEAH
Directly in front of Renee was a massive staircase of pure white. A fog rested above each step as though permanently held there by some unseen force. The staircase led to a valley below. As her vision oriented her on a mountain top, her heart nearly stopped beating. “Wow!”
Renee questioned if the sight was real. None of this was visible from her limited perspective on the other side of the boulder. It all seemed to appear out of nowhere.
From this view, she could now see white, puffy clouds that were so precariously blocked by surrounding trees just moments ago. They were splotched across the sky as though individually placed there by a painter’s hand. Below, a crystalline lake sparkled in the sunlight. Atop and surrounding it was an amazing array of structures. They were primarily round, almost hut-like buildings, with a dock leading out far above the watery surface. Some of them hovered around the dock in an almost magical state. Renee could barely make out the supporting beams that stretched out from the water’s surface.
Beyond these structures, to the right, was one of the most magnificent pools. It was stacked along a steep hillside there with three layers composing its overall structure. Down the center, a roaring stream rushed in a waterfall-like state. It looks like a water slide! She was suddenly eager to see more of this incredible place up close and to hopefully meet the inhabitants of the hut-like buildings.
Despite her excitement, looking down upon the foggy steps, she questioned their solidarity. Feeling the need for caution, she lightly placed her right foot on the first step to ensure it would support her weight. Her foot disappeared a few inches into the fog then met a firm surface below. The steps were safe to cross.
With this new found discovery, Renee rushed down the remaining steps towards the incredible village. Her feathered friend followed along, chirping and singing the entire way. “Good job little guy, you are awesome!” Renee could not express her gratitude and excitement enough.
Sam! Again his name rushed to the forefront of her mind, over-ruling all other thoughts. “I hope someone here can help me find him.” She pushed onward down the massive staircase. It was now that she noticed the forest surrounding its sides. The woods here were filled with an extraordinary array of life. There were birds chirping all around her. Two wolf pups playfully wrestled to her right, light growls leaving their young snouts. Even the butterfly wings seemed to have a sound of their own as she passed by them. This was truly a magical place.
Approaching close to the first hut, Renee saw a much clearer image of the design. Bamboo shoots comprised the outer walls and a mossy material lined the roofs. They were also far larger than she first anticipated and some seemed to have a multitude of the formations connected together.
Wait. How do I know this is safe? Her logical side was finally popping in. She was young, but that did not make her an idiot. At the moment of her questioning and doubt, a massive blue and black monarch butterfly flew past her ever so gracefully. With her feet alm
ost to the village entrance, her eyes were drawn to the phenomenally beautiful creature. Her vision followed it as the being stretched upward, flying higher into the sky. “That thing is as big as my head!” She was quite comfortable conversing with her feathered friend, so the statement out loud to no one particular, did not strike her as odd. She then heard a quiet chuckle to her right and her eyes were drawn back to the view in front of her. A woman was emerging from the hut there, clearly the source of the laughing.
“They are quite incredible.” She said as an elegant, warm smile spread across her face. Her hair was the color of gold and her eyes sparkled like emeralds. For a moment, Renee questioned whether all of her skin was sparkling. No, that’s not what it is…She was not gleaming in a physical sense but rather seemed surrounded by a glow of pure happiness and joy.
“Oh, you poor child…” The woman obviously noticed the mud covering Renee’s skirt and once white shirt. Not to mention the giant whelp on her forehead. The worn look in her eyes likely showed as well. Despite the filth on Renee’s clothing, the woman immediately walked up and opened her arms, gesturing a request for a motherly embrace. Normally, Renee would feel panicked that a total stranger was approaching her and invading her personal space. However, there was something about this woman that was so unlike any version of normal. She could just sense it. She opened her arms willingly and accepted the loving embrace.
The second the woman’s arms were around her, Renee knew her instinct was right. She began soaking up the love like a sponge. She lost all control and tears streamed down her young face. She never knew such an overwhelming sense of love or peace before in her life. Her whole body trembled and she felt the release of a thousand worries leaving her being. They stood there for what felt like an eternity.
R.E.M.: The Hidden World Page 6
