{unedited}
I stroll down a dirt road in a town I've never been to. My grandma says wandering is good for the soul, so here I am. The picket fences I come across were overgrown by vines and flowers. It must have been forever since someone cleaned these places up. This place is so quiet. A little too quiet if I had a say in it.
After walking for a mile or two more I become tired and ready to go back home. As soon as I thought about stopping I saw something tucked in with some picket fences. Up against an overgrowth that lead to higher ground. As I walk closer I realized it's a set of...stairs? Next to the stairs was an old bike.
I cautiously walk up to them. "What could be up there?" I mumble to myself. Slowly I press my shoe onto the wood testing it's strength. When I decide it is strong enough I try the next step. And the next. And the next. Until I am safely at the top.
I look up to see many tiny little creatures stop to look at me. Some look like what mama calls fairies. And gnomes! "Oh my," I gasp and take a step backwards. Not realizing what I had done I could feel myself go towards the bottom of the stairs.
In the blink of an eye I'm on the dusty ground groaning. Many creatures gather around me. Some lift my hands or my feet to check if I'm okay. Some ruffle my hair and poke my face. I fall into a state of shock and disbelief.
"Hello?" I timidly call out to the small beings around me. Indistinctive chatter came from all sides of me.
A chubby gnome walks up to me. He's bigger than the rest it was clear. "Hello, we are just as surprised as you my dear. No human has come up here in many decades," the gnome explains in a gruff voice.
I sit up and start to dust off my clothes. "I'm sorry to disturb you all. I'm not from around here you see. If you don't mind me asking. How..are you..all real?" I question incredulously.
A chuckle could be heard from the the taller gnome. "We have always been real. Some just refuse to acknowledge our existence. Now would you like to join use for lunch or are you on your way somewhere?" He asks with a grin on his face.
"Oh I don't want to be any trouble sir. I should get out of your hair." I scramble for words.
"That's nonsense! We always have extra room."
I begin to stand up and look towards the overgrown stairs.
"I guess so as long as I'm not interfering," I say to the gnome before continuing, "What's your name sir?"
"How rude of me! I'm Pilwinkle but you can just call me winky darlin," He holds out a small hand for me to shake.
I shake his hand with my fingers. "Nice to meet you Mr. Winky," I reply with a small but warm smile.
The creatures went up the stairs while I follow suit. They lead me past some brush to reveal a smaller long table with dishes already set out. My stomach aches from hunger after seeing all the delicacies. Grapes, sliced strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, cheeses, breads, and scones lay out on the table.
"Okay everyone dig in! Especially you over there!" Mr. Winky says pointing at me. Everyone sat in the tiny chairs while I kneel on the ground knowing it'll be more comfortable.
I put different foods on the plate in front of me. My stomach grumbles calling out for food. After fulfilling my bodies needs I began to collect myself and stare at the beautiful land below. Green pastures with fluffy cows law in my view. Birds flew to and fro across the land.
I soon notice Mr. Pilwinkle trying to get my attention. He motions for me to follow him past the table into a wooded pall. Although I start to feel wary of the situation I still follow him. "I'm not sure if this old thing still works but it's worth a try," Mr Winky says before struggling to pull something out of a bush nearby. I go to help him and realize it's a bicycle!
"Here you go my dear you must have a long way to go before you get where you're going." He says as he pats the side of the bike.
"Thank you that is very kind. Now that you mention it I should be heading home now. Thank you so much for your hospitality. I am beyond great full." I express to the gnome.
He and the rest of the creatures walk me to the dirt rode. "Thank you! I hope to see you all again someday!" I call out. A bird swoops into the toad distracting them long enough to switch out the bikes.
"Oh dear I forgot to ask you! What is you name?" Mr. Pilwinkle asks in a seemingly genuine way.
I chuckled a little bit remembering what my mom used to tell me when I was a young girl. "Just call me Ivy." I replied and rode away as fast as I could not daring to look back.
My mother's words ring through my head. "Ivan if you come across something unnatural don't accept any gifts and do not tell them your name."
The wind whips through my hair tangling it up even more. The sound of small shouts and growls could be heard in the distance.
I hope I make it home in one piece.
