At last, when Renee’s last tear fell, the woman released her grasp and looked her directly in the eyes. “Everything is going to be ok now. Welcome to Neveah.” Her smile spread not only across her mouth, but up to her eyes as well. They sparkled with a life and joy of their own. For a moment, Renee lost all comprehension of doubt and whole-heartedly embraced the genuine truth of the woman’s words. For the first time in her young life, Renee was truly, completely at peace.
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13. Luthania
“I think that should do.” Ethan smiled as he finished wrapping the sling around Emily’s now bandaged arm.
Butterflies swam in her stomach with every touch of the gentle, yet strong, hands across her wound. She nearly felt disappointed as the process was completed. Looking away from the hunk of a man in front of her, she noticed, for the first time, Lucy was no longer in the room. “Where’d Lucy go?” She almost wished she refrained from asking the question. She was certainly not fond of the strange woman. Despite her feelings, some gratitude seemed due. After all, Lucy led her to proper medical care and introduced her to the sexiest man on the planet.
“I am not certain. She has a habit of disappearing like that.” The young man followed up his statement with a light laugh, as though he was in on some huge prank.
Emily was now starting to suspect him of something as well. More on guard, a million questions she suppressed before came rushing to the frontline of her mind. “Where is this place anyway? How did I get here?”
The doctor seemed confused by her questions. “Did Lucy not explain anything?” Emily shook her head, sorely disappointed at herself for not asking such critical questions sooner. “Well, first off, you are in Luthania. Many call this a magical city; a place where all your desires become realities.” The doctor then paused for a long moment, as though debating how to address the second, unanswered question. Lifting his right hand to his head, he began scratching at his hairline rapidly, at least until he noticed Emily’s impatient gaze. Suddenly he stopped mid-scratch. “I’m sorry. It’s just…..the question of how you got here…..well, it’s a complicated one. Many individuals come here in different ways and at varying times of life.”
Emily was thoroughly confused now. How could there be many different ways? Then again, nothing has been normal since I left Kyle’s bed……Kyle! Oh dear, what a shitty girlfriend I am…. fantasizing about another man…I have to get out of here. “Well...uhm....I appreciate your help. I should probably go find Lucy.” Everything in Emily told her to run, to get out of this situation, immediately. Ethan was so kind and attractive, but she knew she loved Kyle. There was no way she could hurt him and the path in front of her currently seemed inevitable to lead that direction.
“I’m not done explaining though. There is far more you should know. Please, wait…”
Emily spun around, ignoring Ethan’s words; she was determined to escape from his manly charms. She rushed down the hallway, prepared to flee any way possible. She made it about halfway at a jogging pace when she slowed enough to turn around. No one was following her. A strangely unexpected feeling arose in Emily, disappointment. As much as part of her desired escape, the other portion desired nothing more than Ethan to heroically chase after her. She pictured a scene in a movie where the hero chases after the true love of his life and presents her with a mind-blowing speech. Of course, life was not like the movies and Emily knew, by now, that she shouldn’t expect such incredible events.
What now? It was in this moment Emily realized she stopped just by the one open door of the hall. Again, she saw the wood ladder that seemingly led to nothing. Curiosity swam within her, calling her towards the mysterious room. She took a few steps closer till she was standing directly in the doorway. She could now see what was once hidden from her sight. The ladder stretched upwards for nearly three stories and led to a balcony that surrounded the entire room. White railing lined the edges that led to the nothingness below. The nothingness Emily was now standing amongst. She had to climb it. It was more an order than a thought; her curiosity demanded it.
Cautiously, Emily approached the ladder, her heart inexplicably pounding within her chest. Standing mere inches from the wooden structure, she looked back to ensure she was alone. She was. Continuing onward, she placed her one good hand on the ladder, and planted her feet accordingly. This proved to be a far more difficult task than she envisioned. After all, climbing anything with a broken arm was bound to be quite difficult. Emily did not mind; she loved a good challenge. She pushed onward, upward. About halfway up, she reached for the next cross beam and started pulling her weight up it. Her grip slipped and she barely re-grasped it just in time. Whew! Looking back and below her, Emily felt fear rush through her. It did not matter now, she was already halfway up. She had to push on, there was no turning back. She continued to proceed at a more cautious pace. Despite her slower speed, Emily still almost lost her grip several times along the way. It was certainly a dangerous endeavor. At last, she successfully reached the top. Exhaustion overwhelmed her. She took a moment to catch her breath before looking up at the sight surrounding her.
It was like a child’s paradise. Wooden rocking horses were everywhere and toys beyond her childhood dreams. There was a massive tower of building blocks arranged into the form of a battle ship. Several dolls rested all over the area. Toy cars raced around as though with unlimited battery life. Around the edges, an electronic train chimed, circling the entire balcony. Was that real smoke coming from its chimney? Emily was fascinated. She now understood how grown men spent hours playing video games without hesitation. She felt herself reverting to a younger, child-like state. She picked up one of the dolls lying in front of her. Memories came flooding back in. It was a simple, hand stitched doll with strings of red yarn coming out of the top for hair. However, there was something special about this particular array of cloth.
“Dolly.” Emily could not believe it. She flipped the doll over to check the back leg for the stitch marks she remembered so well. Sure enough, there, on the back of the doll’s left leg, was the exact type of stitches her mother sewed into her own doll. It was even the same, random lime green thread which was all her mother could find at the time of the tear. This one was an exact replica. How is this possible? Emily felt a shiver run up her spine as the hairs on the back of her neck stood at attention. She looked up and …“Ahhh!” Ethan was right there. Panicked, Emily dropped the doll and lost her balance, sending her body straight back toward an inevitable fall.
Ethan grabbed her good hand and wrapped his other arm around her waist, pulling her back to safety just in time. “Are you ok? I’m sorry if I frightened you.” Emily never felt such a sense of distaste and pleasure from the touch of a man. Her mind rushed a million ways. She was irritated with herself for getting shocked so easily, upset with him for touching her, and thankful he saved her.
“Hopefully now that you’ve seen a small dose of this city’s magic, you’ll be willing to let me show you around?” His smile was gentle and, yet again, perfect. Emily felt her walls and irritation start to melt. How could she be upset with him; after all, he just saved her life.
Wait. Emily tried to still her own mind. She closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them suddenly with a burning question. “How did you get up here?! I mean, how did you get up here without me noticing?” She always had good senses and was not easily snuck up on.
“I am trying to explain, to show you. The wonders of this city are beyond normal comprehension. You must see in order to believe.” Ethan appeared truly excited, passionate about the words he was speaking. He genuinely seemed to want nothing more than to share this incredible place with Emily.
She paused for a long moment, debating how to handle the situation. Well, if he’s that sneaky perhaps I should have him with me rather than against me. The thought was sufficient justification. “Ok, show me Luthania.” In response, a giant, questionably perfect grin crossed Ethan’s face. His pearly white tee
th sparkled and Emily's mind drifted into tantalizing imaginations. No. Keep your cool. You need to stay in control here.
“Well first, let me show you a much easier way down from here. It is not the same path I took up…that is a personal secret, but it will certainly be less challenging than climbing a ladder with an injury like yours.” Ethan maintained his toothy grin as he approached a massive, wooden horse resting against the wall. It reminded Emily of the story of the Trojan horse. I hope soldiers don’t start running out of it. Then I’ll really be screwed.
Ethan leaned down by the front leg of the structure and pushed in a wooden knob. Slowly, under the belly of the thing, a doorway opened. It revealed a dark pit of blackness just large enough for a person to fit through. The sight combined with the creaking sound of the wood forced an unpleasant shutter over Emily. She was happily surprised when another, less threatening feeling made itself known. Her stomach grumbled loudly, begging for nourishment.
“Oh, you must be starved. I know just the place.” Ethan smiled as though he knew he was pulling her in.
Great, now I’m having dinner with the guy. I am famished though….it’s been….actually how long has it been since I ate? “What time is it?” Emily realized she had not seen single clock since arriving in this strange place.
“You really do jump around with your thoughts, don’t you?” Ethan chuckled as he sat down by the freshly revealed, pitch black entrance. Seemingly to avoid her question, he pushed off the edge and instantly disappeared into the opening’s depths.
“What the fuc…” He was just gone. “Ethan?” She hesitantly eked out. She was still uncertain whether she wanted to hear a response from him or not. Nevertheless, the idea of jumping into a black hole without knowing the outcome of its previous adventurer did not seem like a plausible option.
“It’s fine. Come on down…be adventurous.” Ethan’s laugh was undeniably taunting. He may as well have called her an outright chicken.
Fine, I’ll show him. Just go down the dark tunnel….no big deal…Emily sat in front of the entrance way, battling her own mind. She was deathly claustrophobic. She sat motionless for what felt like hours. Finally, the voice of Ethan once again interrupted her mental battle. “Are you coming or what?” His impatience was obvious.
Emily did not respond to him, instead she took in a deep breath and whispered to herself. “You can do this.” With that, she pushed off into the unknown.
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14. A Delicious Feast
Renee felt a million questions arising as her curiosity about this new place bounded within her. Neveah? Why have I never heard of such a place? She always aced geography and could not comprehend how she never knew about this strange land. She was just about to present the kind woman with a game of twenty questions when the woman’s voice stopped Renee dead in her thoughts.
“You must be famished.” The woman’s words were out of pure, true concern. Renee’s stomach grumbled in agreement. She managed a timid nod, still somehow overwhelmed by the woman’s existence. “Follow me.” A lovely, surprising smile spread across the woman’s lips. It was as though she discovered a wonderful secret and wanted nothing more than to share it with her new friend. It reminded Renee of a time when Sam….
Sam! “Miss, I am famished, but I need your help with something way more important. You see, my friend, he and I were lost in the woods and then….”....and then what? Renee did not know.
She was about to continue her desperate plea; but the woman interrupted her. “Sam is fine, my dear. You will see him soon, I promise. For now, you must eat something.” The emerald eyes begged that Renee listen.
“But….” She knew she should not argue. There was something about this woman that Renee instantly trusted. After all, her hug somehow wiped away all Renee's worries. How could I not trust her?
“Ok. Will there be food for my other friend too?” Renee just now looked back, searching for her cardinal friend. He was nowhere to be found.
“What friend, my dear?” The woman’s tone sounded confused, but her eyes seemed to know better.
“Little guy!” Renee’s instinct was to feel agitated. She was starting to get rather attached to the winged fellow and could not believe he would leave in their moment of victory. “The bird, I mean…..cardinal….a bright red little guy…” Renee could not disguise the frown forming across her face.
“Poor child, you fret so much, worry not. Come now, let us get some food in that growling stomach of yours.”
Come now? It was only now Renee realized the woman's way of speaking was very old fashioned. It reminded her of something….a play, perhaps….or a movie….she could not pinpoint it. Again, her stomach growled its disapproval at her hesitation. The woman seemed to sense she was bound to give in and began walking away, further into the village. Renee rushed forward, following her lead.
Along the way, Renee soaked in the incredible sights meeting her gaze. There were seemingly endless replications of the hut-like structures. Somehow, each of them differed slightly in its own regard. The one on her left now had large green, palm leaves hanging over its entrance. Another was at least twice the height of its neighbors, with long bamboo stretching upward several feet. It was at least four or five times Renee’s own height. A man exiting this particular structure was carrying a large, woven basket over his head. His appearance surprised and confused Renee. Though he appeared much older than the woman leading her, there was a youthful joy in his face. Like the woman, he also seemed aglow. As though he read her thoughts, the man looked over at Renee and smiled before proceeding on his way. Just about that time, a small wolf pup ran past her on the left and a young boy chased after him with an enormous grin. He, too, seemed surrounded with a cloud of joy and peaceful satisfaction. The entire concept was so foreign to Renee. What is it with these people? Is there something in the water here? Even as she questioned it, her attention was brought back to the woman in front of her. Somehow her mind drew her back to the moment of that hug. Is that what they feel all the time? The overwhelming peace of the embrace was everything her heart truly desired. In that instant, nothing else mattered. All her hopes, dreams, material items back home, none of it was worth anything in comparison.
Perhaps running away wasn’t such a bad idea…maybe I could stay here…The thought seemed sudden even as it was created within her mind. Of course, this place appeared to be everything she could possibly ask for, but she only spent a few moments here thus far. This decision would most certainly take more time. Maybe though, just maybe, she finally found where she belonged.
“This is it.” The woman approached the entrance to a small hut. The structure was no more than ten feet around. As the woman reached for the beads dangling in front of its entrance, she paused and turned toward Renee. “Now child, I would like to ask something of you that may seem a little silly.” Renee stared at her, questioning her quick trust of the woman but nodded an acceptance of her soon-to-be request. “I want you to close your eyes and think of every delicious, healthy food you have ever had or desired. Can you do that for me?” The question certainly did seem silly. Nevertheless, Renee complied, closing her eyes. She pictured strawberries the size of oranges, juicy, round peaches, and roasted chicken. As though the woman could see the picture forming in Renee’s mind she added, “Oh, also, please refrain from thoughts of meat.”
No meat? Was this woman crazy, how could she not think of meat?! Renee opened her eyes, prepared to voice her objections to the request, but the sight in front of her ceased all thought. There, playing by the woman’s feet was a tiger cub. This alone was not what created the shock in Renee. She stared intently as the young cub joyfully frolicked in a circle around the woman’s feet. Seemingly chasing it was a small, pure white lamb. The two creatures seemed caught in a dance. Both seemed overjoyed and acted like two best friends. She watched as the tiger pulled a fast one and switched directions, gently pawing at the lamb’s ear and then running off as though saying ‘chase me.
’
“Neveah is very different from the land you are from.” The woman clearly identified the shock in Renee’s eyes. Of course, her gapingly open jaw was probably another indicator. “Try again?” The woman’s voice was gentle still, patiently waiting for Renee to regain herself.
Yes, this place is clearly very different than back home. It did not seem necessary to voice the thought. Instead Renee closed her eyes again, prepared to exclude meat from her new vision. Again, she pictured strawberries and peaches. She remembered a barbeque with one of her mother’s friends from the lady’s group. The hostess stated she was a vegetarian and invited them to try her veggie burgers. They were surprisingly delicious. Renee pictured one now and then large slices of cheese pizza, corn on the cob, green beans. A million and one foods began running through her mind as her excitement and hunger grew. She could not wait to eat; anything at this point would do. It was as though the smells of her imagined foods were tickling at her nose now, filling the air.
“Ok, my dear, I think that will do. You may open your eyes.” The woman pulled back the strings of beads that hung in front of the entrance way. The sight beyond amazed Renee. The interior was not like a hut at all. It was far larger than the outside implied. Renee barely examined the interior design. Her attention was drawn directly to the center of the room. There, stretched a long table topped with every food she envisioned and far more.
No way! This is impossible! Renee was in shock. Her stomach did not allow her mind time to comprehend all that was happening. Instead she rushed toward the table, quickly identifying a plate and started layering it with food, engulfing a peach along the way. Then, she slowed. The peach was so fulfilling, its nectar so sweet, she paused to take it in. She never tasted something so delicious in her lifetime. She stood there several seconds enjoying the fruit’s juicy flavor as it flowed down her throat. Still holding the appealing round object in hand, Renee identified an empty table. She barely even noticed the people surrounding her as she hastily sat down and attempted to engulf the food. However, with each item, after taking one bite she paused. Everything was so delicious it nearly surpassed normal comprehension. It was far more than the typical enjoyment of a famished individual. Though Renee was not extremely familiar with the feeling of starvation, she knew it well enough to know the difference. No, this was far more. It was unlike any food she ever tasted back home. Every bite was almost magical.
R.E.M.: The Hidden World Page 7