Prologue
“Hello,” I said, still staring into his eyes.
“Hello,” he replied, looking warmly into mine. “We’ve been waiting for you, Serena. We’ve been waiting for you a long time. We’re so glad you could finally make it.”
“I know,” I answered simply. A warm smile spread across my lips; I simply could not remember when was the last time that had happened.
“We have a special place all laid out for you; we hope you find it to your liking.”
“I will, I think I’ll find it an exquisite place to live.”
“That’s grand, just grand.” He pulled me into a friendly, unyielding hug, assuring me I would be happy here. Of course, I already knew that, otherwise why would I have dreamt about this place for years? Or was it days?
“I know I’ll be happy here,” I told him wittingly. He just smiled that warm smile; making me feel even more at home.
“Did you know you have a gift, that rarely anyone else has?”
“Do I, now? Please tell.”
“Never mind, you, I shouldn’t have brought it up. I am not the one to say.”
“Who is?” I cocked my head to the side and pulled slightly away from our embrace.
“Time will only tell.” I didn’t know if he was using a metaphor, or a name, but at that moment, I cared not. The only thing I cared about was the present, where I was now. The only place I wanted to be. The only place I wanted to exist in. My former family couldn’t understand that; but this was my life. Actually, literally, this was my world.
“Should we get you settled in, now, Serena?” But my eyes were closed and his voice was fading and I found that I wasn’t tucked in the warm embrace of him, but of a metal bedpost. Not again, oh no. . .not again.