Peace? by cybrita, CVN (jdb_educator, CVN Editor, web page creator) I slowly walked up the worn wooden steps to the small chateau nestled in the mountains. I paused at the top, turned to study the view, gazing mildly at the tones of gold, red, and yellow that were splashed all around me. The woods to the south were heavy with color, making the forest appear like a painter's pallet. Beauty still brought a small smile. Turning again, I knocked. The door opened and I entered the vestibule. I was warmly greeted by my host, Merlyn, and led directly to a smaller room with a large, plump, feather mattress. "Please rest for a while," he said. "We'll have dinner at 6." Placing my overnight suitcase at the foot of the bed, I loosened my blouse and lay down. Ahh sleep, I thought. Soon I was dreaming of flight. I was dipping and weaving over and between houses, then speeding across meadows filled with wildflowers. What beauty! What freedom! Suddenly, I heard a loud buzzing. I looked all around, concerned. I thought it was an angry swam of bees. No . As I struggled out of my interrupted dream, I realized it was my alarm. I turned it off, stretching my arms and flexing my legs. I stood, then looked down. I could see how rumpled my clothes were, so I decided to dress myself in something a bit less wrinkled for dinner. A simple dress will do, I thought, still wishing I were flying instead of preparing for dinner. Wistfully I thought of the beauty and the freedom. Did I have just a few more minutes? Maybe I could sleep just a while longer? No, there was no time. Time. I thought bitterly of that imposing tyrant, Time. I changed clothing, combed my hair, and looked in the mirror to see if I was at least presentable. Just so. I headed for the dining room. No directions were necessary; I could follow the tantalizing smells. I was smiling again. Although I am not normally a talkative person, I spent a delightful meal hour with my new friends. What did they think about living here? Was it difficult for them? I wanted, no, I needed to know everything. No one was frustrated with me, but honestly answered all my questions as well as they could. My mind rested at ease, and I knew I could trust everyone I had met. That was a new experience. It was freeing. I told them all about me. As our meal finished, we moved and gathered around the lovely fire awaiting us in the common room. We shared stories of our lives that were particularly funny. How I laughed! I even found I had a few to share. What a precious group of people Too soon it was time to sleep. That tyrant time again. Still, I treasured what I heard and what I learned. Now I longed for the next day. I would finally know their peace and find my soul's rest. I awakened as dawn was introducing its light over the mountains. What a vista I had from my window! Bright colors, welcoming mountains. What a difference one day can make. I gazed greedily absorbing the sights and sounds. If I had been able to see such things earlier in my life, would things have been different? I don't think so. My illness and its accompanying pain would still be here. The blackness of my agony could never be erased by any stunning panorama of nature. There was a light rap. I answered the knock at my door, asking if it was time. Merlyn told me that I had chosen this very time.. I thanked him, as he gave me the glass. I took the glass, drinking it all quickly. He smiled gently. I immediately laid down on my bed and fell painlessly into sleep.. I did thank him once more for the quick-acting poison. ©07/30/2010 CVN and Cybertown have first electronic publication and archival rghts . Thereafter all other rights revert to the author.

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