It was just a dream, or so Clara convinced herself as she blinked awake, the remnants of a vivid landscape fading like mist in the morning light. The forest had felt so real—the towering trees, their leaves whispering secrets, and the soft, mossy ground beneath her feet. In her dream, she had walked deeper into the woods, drawn by the sound of laughter that echoed like a distant melody.

Shaking off the lingering enchantment, she got out of bed and prepared for another day at the small town library. Clara had always found solace among the shelves filled with stories, but lately, she felt restless, as if the pages were whispering something just out of reach.

At the library, she was surrounded by familiar faces, yet she felt like a stranger. As she sorted through new arrivals, a book caught her eye. Its cover was an intricate design of swirling vines and flowers, and the title, "The Secret of Eldergrove," stirred something deep within her. She opened it, and the scent of aged paper rushed over her, pulling her back into that dream.

That night, Clara couldn’t shake the feeling that the dream and the book were connected. She found herself reading late into the night, the story weaving a tale of a hidden realm within the forest, where magic thrived and adventure awaited those brave enough to seek it.

The next day, she decided to explore the woods behind her house. Armed with only a flashlight and her sense of curiosity, Clara ventured into the trees. The air was thick with anticipation, and as she walked, the familiar sounds of the forest enveloped her. She felt the pull, just as she had in her dream.

After wandering for what felt like hours, she stumbled upon a clearing, just as described in the book. In its center stood an ancient tree with a trunk as wide as a house. Clara approached, her heart racing. As she reached out to touch the bark, a warm glow emanated from within, and she was suddenly engulfed in a light that felt both comforting and exhilarating.

When the light faded, Clara found herself standing in a vibrant world, the colors more vivid than anything she had ever seen. Creatures of all shapes and sizes roamed freely, and the air hummed with magic. The laughter she had heard in her dream echoed around her, and she felt as though she had finally stepped into a story of her own.

As she explored this new world, she realized it was not just a dream but a place she was destined to discover. Clara met a group of adventurers—a brave knight, a clever mage, and a spirited thief—each with their own quests. They welcomed her, sensing her connection to Eldergrove.

Together, they embarked on a journey to uncover the secrets of the realm, facing challenges that tested their courage and friendship. Clara discovered her own abilities, learning that her curiosity and love for stories held a unique power.

Days turned into weeks, and the line between her old life and this new one began to blur. Clara felt more alive than ever, but she knew she couldn’t stay forever. One day, as they reached the heart of Eldergrove, she faced a choice: to remain in this magical land or return to her own world, forever changed.

With a heavy heart, she chose to return, knowing that she carried the magic of Eldergrove within her. As she stepped back through the light, the forest around her felt familiar yet different, as if it had come alive with new possibilities.

Back in her own world, Clara took up her pen and began to write. The stories that had once felt distant now flowed through her, inspired by her journey. Eldergrove would live on in her words, a reminder that dreams can lead to adventures beyond imagination.

And as she wrote, she knew that one day she might return to that enchanted place, where magic thrived and laughter echoed through the trees. For now, she was content to share the tales of her adventure, knowing that the dream was just the beginning.

Denise M Bragi

Denise Bragi

@DMB73

Springvale, Maine

Denise Bragi has not written a story.