Finally, amidst the incessant chirping insects came a familiar voice.

Pilar!

She wheeled around to see Magnus peeking out from the edge of the dense jungle. What was he doing here? Did he follow her? It still felt like a dream, albeit a very vivid one. She lowered her voice and took a couple of steps toward the edge of the brush, her strange ears swiveling atop her head, listening for any other sign of trouble.

“Magnus? Is that you?” She blinked a few times and squinted, making sure he was as real as she thought he was. She had never seen him like this though. There was a mild state of panic and hurry in his voice. Was this pace not safe?

“I.. I.. don’t know. I can’t remember what happened.” She searched her memory again, finding no explanation or recollection of exactly how she got here. All the more reason to believe it was a dream.

“Is this a dream?” She continued, reaching Magnus’s side at last, brushing his cheek with her nose. He sure felt real. Maybe she wasn’t dreaming. And if she wasn’t dreaming, then Magnus was probably right. This place might be dangerous and they should leave.

“Yes, I think you’re right—I’ll follow you. I’m not sure of the way out.”


pilar

photo © Sally Mann