Hey Arnold: I Promise You That

Butterflies: Somewhere She Knew

Without any spanner-in-the-works or getting involved in awkward situations, the quartet managed to enter the gardens. It was a huge relief for Miles and Stella, especially since they didn't know that Arnold was bringing Sarah along. They didn't know how old she was - was she older or younger than Arnold? Did they need to pay extra or did they need to pay less?  They needn't had worried.    

When they were inside, Arnold was hoping for accuracy. So did Miles and Stella; despite being in Central America, the jungles of San Lorenzo were unlike any other. Tall trees, flow of river streams, the trails, plants - everything. Any mistake they spot could be disastrous. It may not be to the staff of the botanical gardens; but to their visitors? It's likely. Certainly experts, explorers and trekkers. 

Sarah, on the other hand, just wanted to explore. She had never been to San Lorenzo. In fact, she had never been to a jungle; whether it was there, Africa or South America. The closet experience that she had was in a butterfly house at a local zoo, back in England. 

Sarah frequently visited her favourite zoo, when she lived there. She loved the zoo, but her favourite animals were butterflies. Sarah loved butterflies because they reminded her of a logo, supporting Autism awareness. The butterflies were a symbol of freedom. In the wild, they would flutter high into sky, dancing all around their land of paradise. How I wish I could join them, Sarah would say to herself. It would be nice to dance with them.  She hadn't seen one since she left England, which made her sad as it reminded Sarah of her late father. She knew that seeing one again will be rare. She had to accept it.  However, Sarah was up for trying new things - and a rainforest inside a botanical garden? Well, that is something to look forward too. 

They began to look around the gardens. Some of them had hedges, carved into shapes of human faces and flowers. Some gardens had traditional features like the English lily pond or glass houses with huge domes. Whilst others had unusual parts like lakes - some the size of the Round Pond, located in London's Kensington Gardens or vineyards, high above tall, wicker arches. None of these interested the group (but Sarah secretly liked one garden). 

Eventually, they found the exhibit they were looking for. It was Sarah who spotted it; a bridge. A long bridge and a pathway placed below tall palm trees and bamboo. She led the way; Arnold, Stella and Miles followed behind her. 

Sarah didn't notice that her new friends were behind her. She was lost in a trace and captivated by the marvelous spectacle of the jungle garden. It's beauty sunk into Sarah's brain; she took in all the surroundings around and in front of her. 

Arnold, Stella and Miles were fascinated too. However, it wasn't exhibition that they were amazed by. Studying Sarah's curiosity, the trio tried to slow down. Sarah was walking at a slow pace - a very slow pace - so they tried to give some space. It was a long slow walk before they saw thick fog, flying below the path. The fog was floating around their knees and waists, but they hardly noticed. So, they continued exploring the exhibit.  

Not a word was said from the quartet; all they could hear were the sounds of their footsteps. Gentle and soft; almost mute. The exhibition astounded them. It was everything Arnold had intended it to be. For him, everything about the artificial rainforest was accurate - but what made it so spectacular was how realistic it was. Looking around the rainforest made him reflect on his trip in San Lorenzo. He didn't know why. 

Miles and Stella had the same feelings as their son. 

Sarah just explored the rainforest. Having a look around, she continued to lead the way. Suddenly, she stopped. Sarah's facial expressions widened; she spotted something ahead of her. Beyond the edge of the path, Sarah spotted an object, hiding behind a flicker of light. Although it was bright, the light was hidden behind a massive thick of fog. However, Sarah could clearly see something behind the fog. Once she saw it, she ran like a lighting bolt.