Tales Of The Wisp ~AYU INDAH

PROLOGUE

What just happened? Was I under a spell, or was I dreaming?

I'm still in shock.

It was all too real—clear and detailed. What's the word again?

Surreal. That's it.

It was dreamlike and strange, yet so true-to-life! Imaginary? It couldn't be!

Jun said I passed out.

"It's true that I was here, but I was there too, at the same time," I told him.

Jun didn't want me to move. "Just rest here for now," he urged. "Take it slow."

So, here I am, resting on the Chinese Ah Tay bed-cum-sofa in our living room instead of upstairs in our bedroom.

He went to prepare something to eat, "to warm your tummy and calm the nerves," he said.

Mmmm, I can smell his cooking now—yummy. My husband is a great cook! I smiled, feeling a rush of warmth. Oh yes, I'm definitely home! I'm so glad to be back.

Left alone, I let out a long sigh of relief, releasing the last shreds of lingering fear that felt heavy on my chest. It freed me from the mysterious unknown that had gripped me momentarily.

I am finally free.

"I am home," I whispered, reassuring myself. Breathing in the familiar scent of the room, that of herbal and earthy spices wafting from the camphor chest, I took a deep breath. The soothing aroma covered the blue-and-white oriental sheets of the couch, freshly laid out. I lay there, savoring the feel and smell of familiarity, running my fingertips over the soft turquoise throw, relishing the knowledge that I am now safe and secure in the protective circle of adoring love.

Our seven-year-old, Sky, came rushing down, and I watched silently as he headed straight to the pantry to get some snacks. Moments later, he emerged carrying a box of cookies and a chocolate drink. When he saw me lying on the sofa, he came up and gave me a tummy hug, pressing his face to my stomach, his arms full.

"Mama?" was all he said.

I smiled, running my fingers through his curly hair. Then he bolted up the stairs to play. I was teary-eyed. Home had never felt so good.

It was as though I'd been away for years, yet it only happened a moment ago—just this very afternoon!

I felt silly.

What really happened to me?

I stared blankly at the painted seafoam-blue ceiling above, trying to remember.

In vivid flashes, memories of my adventure came flooding back, still fresh in my mind.

I'm stunned. I couldn't have just imagined it all. Dreams are easily forgotten, but I remember everything, in detail, because I was there! Somehow, somewhere, in that past...

I was in the past! This I am certain of. How is unclear, but it felt deeply real.

I was merely a spectator, unable to change anything—a helpless witness to events as they unfolded before me.

Just then, my husband returned with a tray: toasted tuna sliders, a fluffy cheese omelet on the side, and a tall glass of ice-cold, lemony calamansi juice. I hadn't realized how ravenously hungry I was. He smiled as he watched me devour it.

"Wait," I stopped midway. "Where's Nai Ceri?" I asked.

He said she was still in the kitchen, cleaning up.

I need to talk to her; I must know.