Fool's Paradise

Chapter 7

I felt a rush of wind caress my back and soon I realize I'm lying face down on the ground.

"Mommy, can we go now?"

"Not now, Mommy's tired."

"But I don't like it here. Why are you sleeping on the floor?"

I rolled on my back and sprawl out my limbs, feeling the light of the sun warmly kiss my face. My cheek feels numb, as if I had just been lying on it forever. I can hear the birds singing... I'm outside... What time was it?

"Let's go, Mommy."

I finally open my eyes, letting myself slowly adjust to the brightness of the day. I blink a few times and I see the silhouette of a small boy standing above me wearing a bright red t-shirt.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Theo!" he squeaks. "Can we go now, Mommy?"

My vision is still blurry. "Yeah, let's go," I say, sitting myself upright. I give myself a good minute before I stood up and took his outstretched hand.

"Let's go, let's go," he says almost song-like. He seems to know which direction were going.

"Where are we going, Theo?" I asked, more concerned about walking in a straight line without tripping. The long pale ivory skirt of my dress made it especially hard to find my footing.  

"Let's go, let's go," he repeats, not acknowledging my question. He wasn't too responsive.

I stop walking. "Theo, where are we?" I ask more firmly. I look around. My vision is starting to clear up and my responsible mother side of me is starting to kick into motion again. I look at Theo. I'm able to see him more clearly now. He is facing away from me, but I could tell that his hair is very messy and his arms are covered in dirt. It reminded me of how he looked after going to the beach. His shirt is indeed bright red color, but it's covered in holes and looks very worn out. Theo's overall physical state was good but somehow he also looks...deprived.

"Look!" He points ahead of us, still facing away from me. I stop wondering why he is covered in dirt and instead I look at the direction his little index finger was pointing at.

I am in absolute awe. We are in a garden, covered in dozens of flowers in different shapes and colors. There are cleanly cut bushes off to the side and a tall white fence surrounding us. A fountain stood high in the center, towering over both me and Theo. While taking in its glory, I catch a glimpse of something in the distance. It was a white gate that closed off the garden. My vison almost became clearer as I gasped at the heavenly place around me. It was truly a dazzling sight.

Theo releases my hand and runs to the fountain. I assumed that he was looking for coins based on how hard he was concentrating his eyes in the water.

Looking at Theo, cheerfully playing, I decide to do the same and enjoy the garden as well. I take my time and leisurely walk around the garden. I gaze at the beautiful flowers; I don't think I've ever seen some of the types that are here.

"Do you like them?" Theo questions. I was so absorbed in the flowers; I didn't see my cute, messy babushka behind me.

I smile at him. "Yes, how did you find this place?" I ask bending a little to meet his height and try to wipe off the dirt from his face with my sleeve. How did he get so much dirt on him?

No answer. He just giggles in response. The cuteness is practically radiating off him.

"You do like it!"

"Yes, it's very pretty," I chuckle at his delight. His happiness is honestly all I am willing to live for.

Suddenly, he grabs my hand and we start walking again. "Let's go! Let's go," he starts singing like before. I follow him gazing at the beautiful flowers next to us.

Soon, we reach the white gate.

"Let's go!" Theo says energetically, taking a step towards the gate.

"Morin."

I freeze in my tracks.

Oh no...Oh fuck...