Once upon a time, there was a girl that lived on a hill and her name was Alice Zukerberg. Alice for short. She was certainly born with talent. She could draw the ‘Mona Lisa’, she could also skate like some professional that has practiced for years. However, there was one thing that never fails to pique her interest and that was reading. To some, it was a hobby or a pastime. For her, it was a part of her daily routine. A necessity.Like how breathing is. The earth was bathed with a warm rosy glow and the birds were soaring across the vast blue sky. She was laying on the cool grass and the windy breeze caresses her hair as she was indulging herself in a book called ‘Pandora hearts.’ You may wonder, isn’t ‘Pandora hearts’ just a burrowing bivalve mollusk with a fragile shell?

Out of the blue, a strong gust of wind blasted past her face and she instantly used the back of her palms to rub her eyes vigorously. When she slowly opened her eyes, she saw a bright ray of light shining directly at her. That ‘ray of light’ vanished in a split second when she blinked her eyes open and steadied herself.

A surge of anxiety blasted through her veins when she opened her eyes.

'Where is this place? Where am I?'

When Alice was fumbling with her thoughts and trying to figure out where exactly she was when a boy with sharp-pointed ears approached her. It had long-luscious silk hair and a long fluffy tail.

‘Welcome to my village! My name is Ash, nice to meet you!’ he said as he beamed and welcomed me warmly.

Alice nodded and responded with a gentle smile. She asked Ash formally,’ May I ask what village this is? I just arrived here recently, maybe even a second ago. Would you mind telling me about how the village works?’

‘This is a spirit village. We live here in peace happily and we plant our own crops and sell goods. I belong to the cat clan. There are many other clans here as well. What clan are you from, missy?’ Ash winks at me gleefully and smirks.

‘Im hu..human. I come from a planet called earth.’ She mumbled under my breath trying to avoid his gaze and attention of the by-passers. She clenched and unclenched her fists trying to calm herself down.

Ash stares at her- Amusement filled in his eyes. Alice peeked up to take a look at him after a short silence and she could see her reflection clearly in his emerald green eyes.

’Human? Huh…..That’s a first for me.I've never heard that before. How interesting….’ Ash responds stroking his chin.

Ash then offered to be her tour guide to show me around the village. Alice nodded and agreed. As Ash was briskly walking and whistling, his fluffy tail was swaying back and forth.‘Wow...Adorable!’ Alice thought to herself while trying to contain her excitement. It had always been her dream to own a pet. She didn't have any siblings and wanted a companion she could spend time with. However, she is allergic to fur and feathers which makes this dream, not within her grasp.

Alice carefully followed Ash's footsteps when she suddenly realized that this wasn't just any typical spirit forest. ‘Pandora Hearts!’ Alice suddenly blurted out loud. She quickly used her hands to cup her mouth so as to prevent the gasp from shock from escaping her mouth. Ash didn't mind her as she continued trailing behind him.

Soon, after not much walking, Ash spun around and alerted Alice ‘We have arrived at the ocean coast!’ I blinked twice and looked around. The view was extravagant and fascinating. There were Mermaids splashing in and out of the blue waters and the atmosphere was so clear and joyful. The fact that this was a whole other universe didn't even bother Alice anymore. She was totally engrossed in everything that is going on right now.

‘A whole other universe, Pandora hearts.’ A fantasy? Imaginary world? Child's-play?

All these events seem so old yet new to Alice. The stress and tension in her body vanished in an instant. Alice beamed at the significant scenery.

‘Missy, let's continue our journey. There are still many other interesting and fun attractions around the village.’ Ash exclaimed as a radiant smile flickered across his face.

Alice nodded her head but as she was about to take a step forward, her head started spinning and her vision deteriorated. Everything was in a blur and she lost her balance as the energy left her body at rapid speed.

‘Thud!’ Alice fell on the ground with a loud thud. Ash hastily dashed over to help her up.

‘Are you alright?’ Ash asked with concern.

‘I don't think I can stay here much longer...It's time for me to return to my universe. Thank you for showing me around the village. I had a great time and I would never ever forget the experience I’ve had here…’ Alice struggled to force the words out to give Ash her final thanks. Alice suddenly felt lighter. The light was slowly engulfing her. Her hands, legs were all getting brighter and brighter. Shell shocked-that was how she felt at that moment.

(The light is Alice disappearing from Pandora Hearts)

‘Alice! Alice Zuckerburg!’ Mother's voice could be heard from a distance.

Alice slowly opened her eyes as the wind grazed across her face gently. She was holding the book ‘Pandora hearts’ in her arms as though it was some kind of treasure.

‘Treasure?’ Seems about right.Definitely something for her to cherish.

‘So all that was a dream...If only I could go there once again...I really had a good time….’ Alice thought to herself feeling over the moon. She pulled the book close to her chest and hugged it tightly.’ Just to see Ash one more time...Just to be able to visit ‘Pandora hearts’ once again would be great…’ Alice smiled as she got up on her feet and ran down the hill to find her mother.

THE END

102’2020 - Cecelia