Chapter 14

Return to Reality

I was in a dark place for a very long time. Then, I saw a star. More and more stars appeared, and they were beautiful. After a while, I saw the sun and some tiny lights around it. The Earth came into view. It was small and blue, but it got bigger and clearer. A lot of time passed, and I moved closer to Earth. It was night, and I could see the moon and stars. As I got very close to the ground, everything went dark, and I could not remember anything.

After some time, I started to hear a sad sound. It hurt, and I could not breathe well. I tried to call out but could not. Slowly, I could breathe again. Something was licking my hand and face. I heard the animal and the sad sound again. It felt familiar. I opened my eyes, but it was still dark. I did not feel so bad anymore. I was sitting, and something was licking me. I was confused and tried to push it away. I could not think clearly. Then, I remembered and called out “Pepper.” A happy sound answered me, and I felt more licks.

I felt a bit stronger and looked for a light. I found the small wood sticks used for fire and lit one. I saw all the normal things in my room. I dropped the light because it burned my finger. It was strange to hear my own voice. I lit another light and then the candles. They had been put out, not burned down. I looked around the room. Everything was normal. I was annoyed and confused. What had happened?

I held my head, trying to remember. I thought about the big, quiet field and the red sun. Where were they? When did I see them? I walked around. It was hard to remember what I had seen. I felt suddenly very sick. I had to hold onto the table so I would not fall. After a bit, I sat in a chair.

I felt a little better after some time and went to get some food and drink from the small closet. I drank a little and started eating very fast. I was surprised at how hungry I was. It felt like I had not eaten in a very long time. While eating, I looked around the room. I was trying to find something real to help me understand. Then, I saw the clock. It showed a time before midnight. But I knew it was after midnight when the strange things started. I was very surprised. Then I realized it was now the morning of the next day. I had not known what was happening around me for almost a whole day.

The next morning, during breakfast, I asked my sister what day it was. She told me it was the day I thought. So, I had been lost in my thoughts for almost a day and a night. My sister did not ask me why. Sometimes I stay in my study for a whole day or even two days when I am really focused on my books or work. Days are passing, and I still really want to know what all those things I saw that night mean. But I think I might never find out.