Song of the Willow

~Prologue~

Every night, I always have the same dream......

"Hey Teagan wait up! Not everyone is as fast as you!"

"Maybe you should run faster Ari."

.....about the same boy.

"Ooff! Teagan why did you stop all of a sudden?"

"Look Ari, isn't it great!"

He would always take me to this wonderful meadow in the middle of the forest.....

"Teagan look at the pretty butterflies. There are so many colours."

"Yeah aren't they great? I found this place a couple of days ago. Do you like it?

"Like it? It's the bestest place ever!"

"That's not even a word Ari. You made that up."

"Nuh-uh I heard someone say it before! Mommy said making up stuff is not nice."

"Whatever Ari, I have one more surprise."

"Really? What is it?"

"It's a surprise. Come on I'll show you."

I would always feel safe with him..... so happy....

"You can open your eyes now Ari. Look."

"What do you want me to look at Tea......

The best part of the dream is when he would show me the flowers.....

"Wow Teagan these are even better then the butterflies!"

"It's for you Ari. Happy Birthday!"

"Thanks Teagan! You're the bestest friend ever!

"Anything for you Ari."

He would hug me so tight that I would think that I'm in the safest place.....

"I love you Teagan."

"Love you too Ari"

......but all good dreams come to an end.

"Did you hear that Ari? "

"No. What's wrong?"

"I'll go see. You stay here Ari."

"Don't leave me Teagan I'm scared!"

"It's okay Ari I'll be back. Don't be scared. I won't let anyone hurt you. I love you Ari"

He would kiss my cheek and run to the other side of the meadow....never would I believe that would be the last time I saw him.

"Hey there precious."

"*sob* Who's there ? *sob*"

"It's ok precious. I won't hurt ya, not yet. Heh heh"

"Go away! Leave me alone!"

Then the most frightening man I'd ever seen would walk out of the shadows...

"Leave me alone Mister! You're scary! "

"We'll aren't you a bright one Ari, I am scary. Heh heh"

" *sob*How do you know my name Mister?"

"Shhh little one. It will be all over soon."

"No. No!"

...and then it would go dark and I would wake up.