The Consequence of Imagination Part 2
By Alexandriana Davis
Inside a tree, I search for my daughter.
“Em? Em, where are you?”
I am aching and tired. The soil beneath me gets caught underneath my fingernails as I crawl. I occasionally feel a bug scurry across my hand. Even with all of that, I keep my eyes focused on the small light emanating from the back of the tree. I have no concept of what might lie beyond that light; I only know that I must find Em.
The light comes closer and closer, until I can finally place one hand on the other side of the tree. I scramble out as fast as I can, only to step back abruptly. Nothing could have prepared me for the sight of this new reality.
The land before me is a meadow, surrounded by lush trees. Marigolds, irises, and peonies are at full bloom, and a figure tends to some of them in the distance. Cottages dot the meadow, built from sustainable, natural materials. Grasshoppers chirp, owls whoo, and a small fire crackles in the distance. The night sky is clear, with the full moon shining brightly down on us. This world feels at peace.
Hearing the sounds of laughter coming from the fire, I begin my frantic flight in their direction. The cool breeze brushes past me as I run, and for a brief second, I feel alive.
I reach the fire at a dramatic pace. The laughter stops, and the shadowy figures turn in my direction. When I get a better look at them, I gasp. These beings are not human.
The people gathered around the fire exhibit a range of different physical characteristics. Some have long fangs, others have dragonfly wings, and one is covered with flower petals from head to toe. They all look at me calmly, waiting for me to speak.
As I stumble to find my words, someone beyond the fire yells, “Mommy!”
Before I have a moment to register, Em rushes directly into my arms. A huge weight lifts off my shoulders as we collapse onto the ground in a tight hug. I whisper, “I almost thought I lost you.”
The mysterious community watches us in silence. For some reason, I don’t feel a sense of unease as I usually do with strangers. Something about their presence is different.
Em is the first to pull away, excited to introduce me to the group. Each person greets me in a relaxing and comforting tone that tells me I am safe. I immediately melt into this community and become one with it.
After introductions, Em and the group go around telling me about this place. I am told that this is a realm of beings from diverse walks of life. In this meadow, they have found a community, a safe space to explore themselves and support one another. Most of them are creatives, and believe this place gives them the opportunity to connect with nature, each other, and their art. The cottages are small shelters designed for individuals and families to have a private space while still being part of a community of like-minded people.
I listen in awe, yet I cannot help from questioning. This all seems too good to be true. I pose the question to the group: “What’s the catch?”
“There really is no catch. All you must do is find your own way to support the rest of the collective,” someone explains. “Some people garden our fresh produce and distribute it, some supply us with art materials, and some lead activities like a poetry showcase night. As long as you are here as a supporting force, you are welcome.”
I look down at Em, who is beaming up at me. This feels like a dream come true. All I ever wanted for Em and me was a place where we could connect with nature and be with others who support and care for one another. I could not imagine a better place to be than where we are now.
As the bonfire flickers and the laughter continues to rise, a shooting star passes overhead. In that moment, I realize I have everything I ever wanted. Instead of wishing frantically for my life to change, I wish that others could find the same peace and beauty as I have found here.
