random short story

19 - A Pleasant Dream

I sat on the bench under the shady tree. The breeze whispered through the leaves. Everything around me was peaceful and calm. I felt drowsy, so I lay on the bench and soon dozed off...

I dreamt that I was walking along a narrow path which twisted and turned through the endless green meadows. The grass was short and as soft as a carpet. Small wild flowers were blooming in a multitude of colours. They peeped from between the blades of grass and waved gaily in the cool breeze. The flowers filled the air with a beautiful fragrance. The weather was cool yet the sun shone brightly. I heard the sweet music of birds singing but though I searched high and low I could find no birds.

The track sloped downwards and ended at the bank of a tiny brook. The brook gurgled on its way over a bed of small rocks and pebbles. The water was crystal clear and very cool. I cupped my hands and drank the water until I was refreshed.

I sat down on the bank of the spring and tossed pebbles into the water. The ripples made delightful patterns before they disappeared. A spotted fawn came to drink at the spring. It allowed me to touch its graceful neck. Then it bounded away with swift, agile strides.

Suddenly, I heard a beautiful voice singing. I knew it was a girl's voice and I wanted to see who she was. I rose to my feet but I could not see anyone.

I walked in the direction of the sound. It was coming from behind a huge oak tree. I took a few eager steps and a beautiful girl came into view. She stopped singing when she saw me.

"Hello," I murmured. "I'm sorry if I interrupted you."

"Oh no!" she replied smiling sweetly. "In fact I was feeling rather lonely. At least now I will have someone to talk to."

We spoke as if we had always known each other. I praised her singing and asked her to sing a few songs for me. I listened raptly to her lovely voice...

Someone was shaking me. I opened my eyes and realised that it was almost morning and my mum was asking me to go to the market along with her.

-end-

(source: school magazine.)