Midterms, Mayhem, and... Magic? Part 2

By Alexandriana Davis

I walk through the door into what appears to be an outdoor art museum.  Sculptures of all shapes, sizes, and materials decorate the grassy landscape, with sunlight gleaming off of them.  Trees rustle in the distance, and birds chirp to their own rhythm.  A light breeze turns my attention to my left, where people of all ages laugh and splatter shades of blue, red, and yellow paint onto various materials.  On my right, people are participating in yoga and meditation, connecting themselves to the natural world.  There is a small picnic blanket with fresh produce resting on it in the middle of the activities.  Everyone seems to be right where they want to be.

I glance down at the cat, who has been watching my admiration unfold.  They let out a small meow before walking towards the picnic blanket.  I follow my guide deeper into this new world.

Upon reaching the fresh produce, I hesitate in taking any food.  I don’t want to intrude on this haven.  The cat, however, nudges my hand forward.  I take a strawberry and plop it into my mouth, the juicy deliciousness helping ease any uncertainty I had.

I see someone suddenly dart towards me out of the corner of my eye, and before I have a chance to react, they throw themselves into my arms.  I hear them giggling softly.  It isn’t until they pull back that I realize who they are.

“Riley?”

They look at me excitedly, grinning from ear to ear. “Yes!  I cannot believe you found this place!  Isn’t it amazing?”

I nod, catching their contagious smile.  “How did you get here?” I ask.

“I came through that door in the library.  Just as you did.  This cat,” Riley reaches over to scratch underneath their chin, guided all of us here.  They seem to have a knack for finding artists in desperate need of a space for creativity.”

I look down at the calico cat, who is now rubbing up against Riley.  They appear to be any ordinary cat; I wonder where this mission of theirs came from.

Hoping Riley might have an answer, I ask: “Do you know why this cat seeks us out?”

They shake their head.  “Some guess they might be lacking a community in this world, since we have yet to find another cat here, but no one really knows. It is truly a mystery.  We are all grateful for what this cat has brought us, though.  We wouldn’t have found this place and this community without them.”

I nod.  It is so strange to think this cat has created all of this, yet, somehow, I believe it.  

Riley grabs my hand, pulling me up.  “Come.  Let me introduce you to everyone.”

We walk around.  Everyone is so accepting of a new arrival, and they all seem excited to have another creative mind here with them.  I recognize two other people in this group, who also say they found their way here through the library.  We all hop up and down with the joy of being here together.

I ask many of them questions about this place, from what it is to why it is here.  Many of my questions go unanswered, as they all seem to have the same curiosities.  However, I do learn how they are living in this space now.  I am told that everyone here works to support each other in any way they can, so everyone can thrive in this space.  I learn that people utilize this environment to connect with nature, art, and each other.  I learn that this space is founded on love and care for ourselves and for all the beings around us.  I learn that while this is a hidden space, everyone trusts the cat to bring new people in from different walks of life who desperately need a community like this one.

I am overjoyed by the discovery of this new world.  I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful place to experience and live life in.  I want to be a part of this community more than anything.

Yet, for some reason, I feel my anxiety creep up.  The thought of my art history exam inches to the forefront of my mind.  I begin to panic.

Riley notices my change in energy and moves toward me.  “Are you okay?” They ask me.

“I.. I need to study for an exam,” I mutter. 

“Hey.  I get it.  It’s difficult to leave those thoughts behind.  But you are free now.  Look around you,” they exclaim, waving their hand around the art park.  “You don’t need to stress over huge exams anymore.  You are where you are meant to be.”

I let out a sigh of relief. A huge weight lifts off my shoulders. That was all I needed to hear.

Riley smiles gently at me before grabbing my hand.  They bring me with them to a box of art supplies, nodding at me encouragingly.  I smile, reaching into the box.  I grab a paintbrush.  

Riley is right. I am right where I am meant to be.