Lost in Neverland

3

Cassian led me to a secluded spot on a cliff that overlooked the sea. The waves crashed against the rocks below, sending up sprays of white foam that glistened in the eternal sunlight of Neverland. We sat on the edge, legs dangling over the side, with the vast ocean stretching out before us, its surface sparkling like a field of diamonds. The sky above was a perfect, cloudless blue, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of salt and blooming flowers.
“This is my favorite place on the island,” Cassian said, his voice soft and contemplative. “It’s where I come to think and remember.”
I glanced at him, curiosity piqued. “Remember what?”
He smiled wistfully, his eyes reflecting the endless horizon. “Everything. My past, my dreams, my fears. It’s a place of reflection.”
We sat in comfortable silence for a while, the rhythmic sound of the ocean filling the air. I felt a sense of peace here, a calmness that seemed to seep into my very soul. It was a stark contrast to the turmoil I had felt back in Paris, the constant pressure and regret that had weighed me down.
“How did this place come to be?” I asked, breaking the silence. “How do you not age? Where did you come from, and where are the other lost children from?”
Cassian leaned back on his hands, gazing up at the sky. “Neverland is a place of magic, created from dreams and the essence of childhood wonder. It exists outside of time, which is why we don’t age. As for where I came from, well, I was just like you once. A lost soul looking for a place to belong.”
I watched him closely, intrigued. “What happened?”
He sighed, a faraway look in his eyes. “I ran away from home when I was about fourteen. My parents had... expectations for me, a path they wanted me to follow. But it wasn’t my path. I felt trapped, suffocated by their dreams for my future. So, one night, I left. I wandered the streets, trying to figure out who I was and what I wanted. And then, I found Neverland.”
I nodded, understanding his feelings all too well. “And the other children?”
“They all have their own stories,” he said. “Some ran away from broken homes, others were orphaned or abandoned. Each one of us was looking for something, a place to belong, and we found it here. Neverland became our refuge, our sanctuary.”
I took a deep breath, letting his words sink in. “And you? Do you ever regret it?”
He turned to me, his gaze intense and unwavering. “No. Neverland gave me freedom, a chance to live my own life. But it also taught me the value of family, of having people who care about you. The lost children became my family.”
His words stirred something deep within me, a longing I had tried to bury for so long. “I wish I had known that kind of freedom,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “My parents weren’t bad, but they pushed me to grow up too fast. They had plans for me, and I followed them, trying to make them proud. But in doing so, I lost myself. I missed out on so much, on being a kid, on discovering who I really am.”
Cassian reached out, his hand covering mine. “You can find that here, Emily. You can discover who you are and what you want. Neverland is a place of second chances.”
I looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there. “What about you? What do you want to achieve here?”
He smiled, a hint of sadness in his expression. “I want to protect this place, to make sure it remains a sanctuary for those who need it. And maybe, just maybe, I want to find my own place in the world, outside of Neverland.”
We sat in silence for a while, the sound of the waves a soothing backdrop to our thoughts. I felt a connection to Cassian, a bond that went beyond mere friendship. He understood me in a way no one else ever had, and that realization filled me with a warmth I hadn’t felt in a long time.
“Tell me more about your life,” Cassian said, breaking the silence. “What do you regret the most?”

I sighed, looking out at the endless sea. “I regret not standing up for myself more. I regret not pursuing my own dreams. I always did what was expected of me, never questioning it. I went to the best schools, got the best grades, and followed the path my parents laid out for me. But in doing so, I lost sight of what I wanted.”
Cassian nodded, understanding. “And what do you want now?”
I thought about his question, searching for the answer within myself. “I want to find my own path, to discover who I am and what makes me happy. I want to experience the joy and wonder I missed out on, to live a life full of adventure and possibility.”
He squeezed my hand gently. “You can do that here, Emily. Neverland is a place of endless possibilities, a world where dreams come true.”
I smiled, feeling a sense of hope and determination. “I believe you.”
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the sea, we continued to talk, sharing our hopes and dreams, our fears and regrets. Cassian opened up about his life in Neverland, the challenges he had faced and the bonds he had formed with the other lost children. In turn, I told him about my life in Paris, the pressure and expectations that had weighed me down, and the longing for something more that had brought me here.
We talked until the stars began to twinkle in the sky, their light reflecting off the water like tiny diamonds. The night air was cool and refreshing, and I felt a sense of peace and contentment I hadn’t felt in years.
Cassian stood up, offering me his hand. “Come on, let’s go back to the cabin. The others will be wondering where we are.”
I took his hand, feeling a sense of warmth and connection. “Thank you, Cassian. For everything.”
He smiled, his eyes soft and kind. “No need to thank me, Emily. We’re all in this together.”
As we made our way back to the cabin, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. Neverland was a place of magic and wonder, everything was possible, or so Cassian told me.

As we entered the forest that was leading to the cabin I felt a shiver go up my spine and I looked around, feeling a bit wary of my surroundings. Some deep fog started to embrace the trees that surrounded us and I could feel some shadows moving around. I stopped deep in my tracks, looking at Cassian.

“You see it too, right?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He looked at me too, his hand squeezed mine for a moment as he continued to dart his eyes around before urging me to keep walking.

In the stillness of the midnight forest, where the shadows of ancient trees stretched long and dark under the silvery moonlight, a sudden sound broke the silence. It wasn't the call of an owl or the rustling of leaves in the breeze, but a laugh—sharp and clear, like the chime of a small bell.

I froze once again, my breath catching in my throat as the unexpected sound echoed through the woods. It was a laugh unlike anything I have ever heard, imbued with a playful yet eerie quality. High-pitched and fleeting, it seemed to dance on air, a quick laugh, that hinted mischief.

For a moment the laugh hung in the air, a ghostly presence that stirred the darkness and fog around us.