Dream

Chapter 19

I lifted the hems of my dress as I wandered aimlessly in the forest. I had found a pair of flats in the closet, yet it was worn out. The sole of the shoes were rubbed out, I can feel the bare separation from my feet and earth. However at the dress' length, no one could spot such spent shoes. I looked around, squinting under the aggressive rays of sunlight. I need shade, the humidity of the afternoon air and total confusion does not mix well. I feel agitated with both mixtures. I couldn't think right, I need shade.

I hobbled towards a pine tree that protected me from the sun's lasers. Before reaching the tree I collapsed onto the floor. A pang of dizziness and fatigue hit me as I closed my eyes. A few inches and I would reach the satisfaction of coldness. I brought my hands to touch the farthest it could reach, digging my hands into the now, parched soil of earth. Once my hands had digged into the soil, I lunged my body forward. In result, the shade of the tree hovered over my head. My muscles slowly relaxed at the soft coldness hovering over me. Eventually, the sun's jagging stags weren't too much and I could open my eyes. The sight of soil came to sight as I helped myself to sit up. I inched a few feet backwards, leaning against the rough bark of the tree. I brought my feet to my chest as I rested my head against my two knees. I stared off in the distance at the sight of two squirrels teasing.

The two somehow dragged me out of my worries and focus on the moment. I could feel the texture of the soil, under my dress; a swish of coldness lay after the steady cover of the tree.

As they ran into the protect of the leaves, I unexpectedly stood up. I could hear my body telling me to move, to at least try. The best way to go now is to go forward non-stop. Let's see where destiny leads us.

So, my feet walked the uneven path of the forest; my head ducking ever so often of the pointed twigs. Although, I felt the soles of my shoes rubbing thinner by the second, I didn't stop. I wouldn't stop walking until my legs lead me falter. I bit my lower lip at the pain and dizziness. The sun soon started to set, once again.

"Lady Aimi!" A voice in the distance called, an unfamiliar masculine voice rang in my ears. I felt my eyelids slowly being pulled to the ground. I quickly shook my head, for I heard my name.

"Lady Aimi!" Another voice called, a small string of an accent was tangled into his English accent.

"Lady Aimi," a bored voice repeatedly spoke in a flat tone.

I lifted my head in the direction if what seemed to be the voice.

My head starts spinning with the possibilities of what this could mean. Were they here to help or to make my situation worse than ever? As I felt my heart weaken at the thought, a sudden shot of confidence suddenly strikes me.

I take a step in the direction of the voice and whisper ever so quietly, "here."

"Here," I speak a little louder.

"I'm here," I stated as if reassuring myself. Somehow saying that pacified me, it stopped the rocking boat in the whirl of a storm. Instead, a clear, calming view came in sight and the boat smoothly glided across the ocean.

I heard footsteps approaching me, until it was replaced with words reinforced with an English accent.

"It's Lady Aimi!" A gentleman dressed in the familiar uniform from the castle exclaimed ecstatically with his thick British accent. I threw my hands up, while laughing awkwardly. I felt rather awkward and relieved at this moment. How would I define my emotion in one word, besides feeling rather jumbled. Perhaps numb, feeling so much that I don't even know how to feel anymore. Or frankly, the word could be jumbled.

"Where have you been?" The other guard that I remembered vividly from that night, he spoke in a bored yet angered tone. He was the guard from that night. The night I broke down.