The Key

Prologue

I never believed in fairy tales or fantasies. They all seemed too unbelievable. It wasn’t until I met this woman, a fortune teller, did I start to think it was all a reality. She was an older woman—gray hair, a scarf wrapped around her head that was worn like a headband with the rest of the fabric flowing in her hair, a long flowing skirt that made it seem like she was gliding along the floor instead of actually walking. She wore a ring on her finger with a giant red ruby and a single necklace draped around her neck. I’m not sure what made me decide to walk to her shop one day. It was like a voice was calling my name just behind the door to her shop. She knew who I was before I even said a word to her. I put one foot in the door, and from behind the beaded door, I heard a voice calling out to me.

“Hello, Celeste. I have been waiting for you.” I was a little scared at first but curiosity got the best of me and I kept putting one foot in front of the other. I found her sitting at her table with her slate gray eyes staring at me. I took the seat directly across from her.

“How did you know my name?” I asked her.

“I’ve known you for a while, my dear. I have been watching you, waiting for the right time to get in touch with you.” Complete confusion took over me.

“What do you mean you’ve been watching me?” I asked the fortune teller.

“Today is going to be your lucky day.” She kept talking like I didn’t say a word. “Do you believe in other realms, Celeste?”

“Like alternate universes?”

“No, as in magic.” I just looked at her perplexed. “Yes, there is magic in this world. You just have to know where to look.” I sat and listened as she explained to me these magical places. Some are whimsical with fairies and magic plants. Some are gateways to the land of the dead where they celebrate all the time. I listened as she explained many others. Suddenly, the fortune teller got really quiet.
“There are many places of wonder, but there are also many places of great danger.” I could feel a sudden shift in the air. It was suddenly cold. I had goose bumps up and down my arms. “Be warned of these realms. They are like nightmares in the real world. Whatever you do, stay clear of these places. They are not meant to be messed with. If you happen to cross into one by mistake, get out as soon as you can. The longer you are in there, the harder escaping will be.”

It was then that the woman was instantly holding in her hand a key. It was so beautiful with intricate designs. It was like no other.

“This key will unlock these realms for you. Just remember where you opened the door for that realm will be your only exit. Always remember, ‘Cross the threshold while the bell tolls and do not look back.’”