The familiar scent of wildflowers clings to the air I breathe. A breeze floods its way around me, my hair drifting in the direction it pulls. I squeeze my eyelids shut as I take in a breath of air, my chest expanding to accommodate. As I set the air free my chest returns to its normal state, and a wave of relaxation overcomes my thoughts.

I lean back, falling into the blanket of grasses and wildflowers that surround me. As I lean, I begin to fall. My stomach rises as the reality of the situation surfaces. I begin to feel nauseous, but the feeling stops as my figure halts abruptly. A shiver rushes down my spine as I feel the surface, cool to the touch. I run my fingertips along the metal edge, surprisingly very smooth. My thoughts start to bubble, but cease as a voice echoes in the empty space.

The voice is light, and it floats in the air like a feather. I rise into a sitting position as I fall into the pool of fear that surrounds. I spot no one; I havenÂ’t a clue where the voice is. This is not what shocks me most, and as I gaze over the perimeter a new wave of confusion splashes over me.

I sit there, confused as I watch. A butterfly, its wings a variety of colors, drifts onto my hand. Its wings are adorned with a dainty pattern, accompanied by a rainbow of vibrant shades. I stare in amazement as it flutters away, and my eyes catch a glimpse of something else. A wisp of blue and purple light dances before me. Its glow illuminates the path of packed soil that unfolds before me. I stare in a daze as the path springs to life.

Suddenly the voice returns in its whispery state, and I realize the sprite is the source. It floats up into the air, gradually nearing closer to my face. It is tiny, all of its features small, yet defined. Its complexion glows, and small locks of hair fall past its shoulders. A miniature dress envelops its torso, and tiny shoes encase its feet. The gown is adorned in crystals that give a violet glow. Wings that match the butterfly’s attach to its shoulders, fluttering quickly as the sprite hovers in the air. The voice is light, clear, and fragile, “Follow me.”

I listen to the words, and a series of options cross my thoughts. My gut churns, and my instincts shout at me to go back. Despite every bit of my better nature insisting otherwise, I follow. As I go along the path,I notice it begins to change. As the path was bare, plain soil with a berm on each side, it now is morphing into something with much more beauty. Flowers unfold, giving the same glow of colors as the pixie. Other sorts of foliage emerge from the soils with pure magic. IÂ’m certain the look that I wear on my face is of pure amazement, yet I cannot think of any words to describe the situation.

As I move along the path, I notice that eyes now lay on me as I travel. I turn my gaze to all sides, and see that more fairies have joined us. The trail is lined with a glow of magic. As I catch glimpse of their features, I notice how they all are overcome with a look of anticipation. As I notice this, the worries from before return, and I begin to regret my decision. I continue on, scanning the area above me. While I can see where IÂ’m going clearly, it is dark. All of the light provided is emitted from the fairies and foliage, as only a stream of stars is visible through the screen of trees overhead. The trees shoot from the soil, towering way above, nearly creating a sky on their own.

As my mind wanders away, I become unaware of the situation that has arisen. It has become dark, and the now only source of light is puddled before me. All of the fairy creatures and shrubs have vanished out of sight, yet now IÂ’ve been given this. I turn my gaze towards the blue glow gathered before me. A puddle of liquid is gathered at ground level, scattering rays of aqua light in all directions.

I gaze at my own reflection in the waters, and shuffle backwards at the sight. Under the surface, behind my own reflection I descry a pair of eyes. The water begins to form ripples and starts glowing brighter as the creature rises to the surface. Its scales reflect shades of violet and emerald, its features bold and muscular. Its head is that of a horse, yet the equineÂ’s features are replaced with that of an aquatic species. Its front legs flash above the surface of the water, connected to a set of fins. A crest of webbed membrane is bonded atop its cranium, and a set of gills run down the side of its neck. I manage a look at the remainder of its frame, adorned in scales that shimmer in the scattered light. Its barrel fades into a tail that trails behind its torso, thinning at the end. Yet again, another set of fins emerge from its tail, waving in the waters below.

I look for the wisp, yet it is nowhere to be found. I donÂ’t know what to do, and I return my gaze to the creature before me. The puddle has expanded into a full ocean of water, and it stretches out into the vast expanse of sky. The trees have gone, along with the creatures. The woodland has transformed into a stretch of sands that lie beneath my toes.

I wade into the clear currents that surround my ankles, shallow waves lapping at my legs. The liquid is cool, although the air is warm. A cool breeze floods its way around me, and the moon is now visible in the evening sky. A spray of silver droplets fall on me as the creature draws nearer. I tense as fear gathers my emotions. Ignoring my fears, I reach my hand out, running my fingertips along the creatureÂ’s scales. The plates are smooth, yet they have a slime to them making them very slippery. The creatureÂ’s orbs are dark and glossy, and seem to be made of an inky glass.

Yet another voice, deeper and calmer than before, sounds. “Come with me.” The voice is soothing and tempting, and I listen. The creature pauses before me in the currents, and I climb atop its back. My hands rest on its withers, and my legs gently squeeze its ribs. I can feel its motions, quick and controlled. Its sides expand and fall as it breathes, and its muscles relax and tense as it pulses through the waters.

We travel a short distance before we plummet into the ocean. I take a breath without thought, and to my surprise, the water travels like oxygen through my lungs. My senses sharpen as adrenaline spreads through my limbs. The water rushes past my face, my hair trailing in back like a ribbon. The view is astounding and pure joy now overcomes my thoughts. Small fish dart around, accompanied by what appears to be mermaids and other forms of sea creatures. Small dots float in the water giving neon glows, and our path is given an abundance of light as we travel.

Moments later, we drift to the oceanÂ’s floor, and vanish into a bed of grasses that dance in the currents. As I fall into the grasses, I lose sight of the creature. The foliage rises higher than myself as I continue to fall. Soon, everything goes dark.

Suddenly, my vision returns and a bright blue sky, decorated with clouds, focuses into view. Grass tickles the side of my face as it sways in the summer breeze, and the scent of wildflowers hangs in the air once again. The sun rests at its place in the sky, showering golden rays on everything within reach. The call of a bird echoes through the valley from above. I pull myself up into a sitting position, and scan my surroundings.

A butterfly drifts from its flower into the palm of my hand, batting its violet wings. I drift my gaze further out and notice the herd of horses that graze. Foals frolic in the vegetation, their mothers keeping a close eye. I watch as the butterfly flutters away gracefully, landing on a daisy that sprouts from the earth. It rests on the golden center surrounded by white petals.

A voice floats across the meadow, and I shoot my eyes in the direction of its source. A woman stands at the edge, beaconing me to come. With a quick wave of memory, I recognize the face. Mother. Reality syncs and I realize IÂ’m home, my fantasy is over.