Kerri Ann 1998-11-03

I feel as if I have been here before--it is warm with a cool draft every ten seconds or so....The furnishings are sparse--a dresser with no adornments, and the futon upon which I am laying. No decorations are anywhere to be seen.

The forest is very dense, and very dark. The trees are extremely tall and offer shelter....rather foreboding, however.

There seems to be a path, but it is not very well-worn, and it is hard to stay upon. I can assume it is not traveled often. It is narrow, and as I walk I am brushed by sappy branches of trees on both sides.

The water is clear blue, with green moss floating on top of it....it seems naturally placed there, by the gods ordainment, I should guess. I venture into it, and quickly withdraw--the water is strangely warm and cooling, as if it could put me to sleep.

“Murkiness” here is defined by the moss contaminant, not by the clarity of the water.

The vessel seems a quaint old thing, a bit like a conch shell. In fact, that is the exact shape, and the color is a crusty salmon with golden ridges, although the gold is dull. It is about the size of my palm.

The key is hanging upon a shredded red ribbon. It reminds me of "The Secret Garden", a favorite book of mine from a young age. I have no idea what it unlocks, but I want to find out, as I love mystery. This day has been so strange! The key itself is rusty and worn, and quite intriguing.