Unknown

After a full day of studying, a Saturday no less, restless and exhausted at the same time she rests her head on her hands. Trying to ease the tension by massaging her neck muscles and stretching ear to shoulder, she smiles at the satisfying crunch-pop sound she feels. To nap before supper or read for fun? Her comfy bed beckons her but she doesn't want to dream any more. Dreams are dangerous now; memories she can not place. Some are pleasant and warm and wonderful. Then they turn. When she feels that she is falling back, the sinking, lightheaded, throat closing sensation the only thing that wakes her is the jerking movement of her limbs trying to catch herself. What could be weighing so heavily on her young shoulders? She has everything she needs, right? She has a home whom her loving mother and father have provided. Living along side her little sister and brother. Living on the small farm she didn't get out much mainly to town and back to help her mother with daily chores and running errands. Independent study since she was young and she preferred learning at home. The other kids thought her peculiar and she didn't make friends easily. The house was a lovely cottage. Neat and tidy like her mother. Her father was always busy and kept a tight ship. Typical sister and brother always getting away with mayhem, murder, and mischief. Sighing she decided to go for a walk before helping set up for supper. It was a decent late afternoon to collect wildflowers for her mother. They always made her smile. Closing her book she stood up and slipped on her sturdy boots, tied her tresses up with a sky blue velvet ribbon, and headed to the back door through the kitchen. "Back before too long mama!", she called out. Her grey-blue flannel hanging on a peg for her to grab on her way out. Turning the door handle with one hand and looking over her shoulder to her mother rolling dough for biscuits. Flour was everywhere, baking was her favorite, and the only thing not tidy about her. "Anna-Lea! Vegetable duty when you get back lovie!" Her mother answered. Oh yay she thought to herself. Maybe I won't add part of my finger to dinner this time. Closing the door she raised her face, lightly freckled and a shade under tan, to the sky. Down the steps off the porch and through the back yard, dodging chicken bombs and a wary grey eye out for the rooster that likes to chase anything without feathers. Making her way past the barn and to the edge of the garden. It was a decent walk to the meadow. Following the path between the lightly wooded forest on the edge of the property and the fenced pasture. Heading towards the back end of the property the horses snuffled at her. She followed her father's rule: Stay out of the forest. It may be thin on the edge but too far in and you'll get lost. No short cuts to the meadow for her. Venturing out there didn't appeal to her anyhow. Anna shuddered. She had gotten lost in there as a young girl, ten years ago. Being 17 didn't change her mind. She still couldn't tell her parents what transpired; she couldn't remember herself. At least she didn't think she could, until she dreamed. A stray whisper of a curl fell across her face as she watched where she placed her feet, kicking up and gathering her skirt and apron so she wouldn't trip stepping over logs and and soft moss that loved to make her slip. Enjoying the quiet breeze listening to the birds sing and flit about she neared the beginning of the meadow. Tall green grass, large purple and pink snap dragons, forget me knots in periwinkle blue, orange and red poppies, and yellow buttercups painted a picture so beautiful you'd think you stepped into one. Butterflies floating about and dragonflies racing to and fro. Little baby bunnies coming back to their nest for the evening after exploring made quiet rustling sounds in the grass. Trailing her small graceful hands over the tops of the random wheat tufts she walked into her happy place. She wasn't tall or very short yet the grass seems to engulf her small frame. Tucking her apron up to create a basket Anna began plucking here and there. Humming to herself and making sure she didn't clear out all the pretty flowers in one spot. Satisfied with her bouquet, in need of something to tie it together, she took the ribbon from her sun kissed tawny locks she sat down to wrap the stems in her lap. Looking up she could see the clouds passing by. With all her introversion she failed to notice the meadow had grown too quiet.