Dreaming

In this dream, he is in the woods with his mommy.

He can't remember why and it doesn't matter. What matters is her smile, her laughter, as they play in the flowers. The sky is clear, the sun is warm. It is a perfect day, and the two of them will spend it together as they always do. When they're done romping in the meadow, he sits in her lap as they rest by a babbling creek, watching the fish splash around. He wants to swim but he can't: he doesn't have his floaties!

Eventually, mommy sets him aside and lays on her back, closing her eyes in a serene way. He is about to climb onto her belly when something catches his eye. A butterfly! A big one; and covered with vibrant colors. It almost lands on his nose but it flutters away. Wanting to hold it, he chases after it, holding his arms out. Several times he nearly catches it. He hops and bounds, but it is always just out of reach. Finally, and suddenly, it disappears in the thickening shrubbery.

It is then he realizes his mistake. The sky begins to darken, a chill wind blows. The trees now loom ominously above him. There is a deafening silence, except for the soft sounds of things lumbering in the brush. He is alone. And he is frightened.

Mommy's voice calls out for him. He tries to call back but he can't. He's too afraid. Shadows races between the foliage, darting before he can get a good look. They're circling around him. Soon, they will pounce. He wants to run. Run back to mommy, but he doesn't know the way and her cries are impossible to follow. He begins to cry, knowing the monsters will soon have him.

“My, you wandered quite far, didn't you?” A soft voice speaks from behind.

He whirls around and sees her. Not mommy, but someone else. A tall woman. Her blouse is a blinding sheen of white and, before he knows it, sunlight returns to the woods. Her long hair flows in the breeze, the hem of her dress brushing against the flowers that bloom around her feet. Her eyes, covered in the shadow cast by her black sun hat, radiate with many wonderful colors. Hooked around one of her elbows is a wicker basket that is full of some jars of strange glowing things as well as some plants, some of which have fruit.

Immediately, he jumps to his feet, an indescribable sense of relief and happiness filling him, and rushes to her. He holds out his arms and bounds up and down. He has never met this woman. And when he awakens, only vague memories of her will remain. But for now, in the midst of the dream, he knows her as The Nice Lady. He's seen her before, though he can't remember where. It doesn't matter. He will be safe with her.

The Nice Lady drops to her knees, a smile stretching on her red lips. The smile melts his heart. She reaches into her basket, brings out a strawberry that has the brightest red flesh he's ever seen, and offers it to him. Without hesitation he takes it and nibbles on it, its sweet nectar dancing in his mouth. It is so very sweet and it makes him happy. Her hand, gentle and warm, pats his head.

“You're a very sweet little dear,” She says softly. “Simple, like all good things. Love is just in your nature. Just like me.”

Her free arm wraps around him and she picks him up. He nestles his head against her bosom. Her heart beats clearly and strongly. The sound comforts him and he suddenly feels weary, ready for a nap. Maybe its just the relief.

“It was the butterfly, wasn't it?” She asks, gently. He nods against her bosom. A soft laugh. “Well...do you still want to see it?”

He raises his eyes to hers and immediately sees it. The pretty butterfly, perched on the edge of her hat. She raises a finger and, like an obedient child, the butterfly flutters down onto it. The Nice Lady holds the dazzling creature before his wondering eyes. He holds out and arm and the butterfly, without skipping a beat, crawls onto it. Joy fills him and he gently hugs the pretty insect against him. She laughs again, hugging him as well.

“There you are!” He looks up and sees mommy running towards him. Tears are in her eyes and immediately he wants to be in her arms. To hug against her for as long as he could. It was the only way he knew to stop the tears. He is given up freely, and mommy wraps her arms around her. “Why did you run off like that!? You KNOW better! I was so worried!”

She carries him away. As he holds her, he catches a brief glimpse of The Nice Lady, standing in a ring of blossoming flowers and thriving vines. She smiles; raising a hand and slowly waving.

Take care of her, Mr. Snuggles.

Then, she's gone.