Anonymous 2006-01-30

A long corridor of a room sprawls out before my eyes. Light pours in from the skylights above, radiating crisp clarity and gentle warmth in the most delicious fashion throughout the total whiteness of the room. There is only a round glass table to my right, bearing a vase that holds twelve daffodils.

The tres resemble enormous ferns of all sorts. As a soft breeze flows through their tendrils, they sway and whisper. Dappled light from the early morning sun twinkles within dew lying on the forest floor.

One path weaves its way deeper into the trees. It is just wide enough for two to walk side by side comfortably, with the softest powdery dust that invites you to stroll barefoot. I can't tell if anyone has ever been here before. There is no difficulty to navigating the path- it is clear. I can't see around the bend, though.

The pond's water seems even softer than the dust of the path. It is nearly still, save for an effervescence gurgling in the middle of the pond. It is full of koi of all colors.

I have seen this flask before... in a dream. It is glass, has a rounded bottom and a narrow neck. The shape suggests that whatever liquid it holds becomes the most glorious fluid imaginable.

The key is a silver circle, with a small portion cut out. Somehow, it sings when you touch it. I wonder if it could unlock the stair way to the sky.