Do you dream of me in the next life?

Chapter 24: Seeing double

"Ok. It should be here somewhere." said Josie.

"Are you sure? I feel like we're lost." said Alice.

Josie slowed to a halt. Alice stopped close behind, hand against her chest. An audible sigh could be heard.

"Maybe we really are lost," Josie retrieved the map. She surveyed her surroundings and glanced at the map again. "There's nothing but trees around here. We can turn back, but nothing is different that way either. If only there was a landmark or..."

"A sign?"

"Exactly! Something to give us a clue of where to go would be very-"

Josie noticed Alice walk past. She stored the map within her magic. When Josie followed, Alice kept moving until they found an area of patchy grass.

"Look at this." said Alice.

It was a signpost.

"Travelers. Are you hungry? Need rest? Feeling bored? Then go forth, and follow the path." read Josie aloud.

"Follow the path? Do you think it's referring to this?" inquired Alice, who gestured to the dirt path that stretched ahead of them.

"Only one way to know for sure."

Josie and Alice took the path. It led them out of the forest and continued down a hill. Josie stumbled.

"Are you alright? Do you need help?" said Alice. She offered Josie her hand.

Josie stared at it for a moment and then glanced at Alice. "No thanks. I can handle it."

Alice retracted her hand and watched Josie descend. "Did I do something wrong?" Alice thought to herself before moving again.

***

Ever since they left the hill, Josie and Alice remained silent. Nature did all the talking instead. Trees became more and more distant the further they walked. Their gaze was focused on the path. Suddenly, a faint sound could be heard in the background. Josie perked up in surprise.

"Wait a minute," shouted Josie. "Is that..."

They stood still and listened to the sound.

"Music!?" both of them blurted at the same time.

Josie and Alice powered through the last bit of the path. Music grew louder. More excited. It felt like a happy tune. Upon the horizon, something rose into view. Alice and Josie slowed to a jog and stopped.

"F-Finally." Alice said between breaths.

"Funland."

Josie and Alice admired the big sign that crowned the entrance. After they finished catching their breath, they headed for the ticket booth. Striped turnstalls blocked the way forward.

"Hello? Is anyone there?" called Josie.

No one answered. Disappointed expressions were exchanged between them.

"Hi!"

The ticket receptionist sprung from hiding. Alice was startled.

"Oh! Sorry about that ma'am. Let me start over," she cleared her throat. "Hello and welcome to Funland! The Dream World's one and only amusement park! What kind of fun attractions would you like to see today?"

"Funland is an amusement park?" asked Josie.

"Yes ma'am! Our park exists to entertain. We have attractions for everyone, regardless of who you are."