The meadow basked in the spring sunlight, the streak of objects overhead slowly solidifying into pink and purple flowers. The details above shimmered in the bright, blue sky, appearing as stars in the morning light, flickering just before settling into form. All rooms in this Labyrinth are created that way—details running away from the Darkness, with the ones that survive hardening into concrete shapes, into concrete rooms.

    I squatted down into the bed of flowers, squinting as I tried to block off the gaze of the sun. The ground beneath me rippled as strands of grass swayed to and fro, creating waves moving down towards the heart of the meadow. As I turned to my side, I noticed a slender green stem connect upwards to a feathery plant that gently rocked in the breeze. The flower appeared as though created with golden ruffles, each petal curling into soft, billowing layers, casting a warm glow below. I leaned in and blew softly. In an instant, the petals flew towards the air, scattering into small strands until completely vanishing into the sky. I laughed, watching them disappear.

    I wish I could stay here forever. The warmth settled over me like a blanket, and as my body relaxed, my eyelids grew heavy. I began to doze off.

Doze Off:

https://sites.google.com/view/shatteredandgone/home