CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Ruby opened her eyes to the meadow. The field was vast, stretching as far as her eyes could see. The grass stood tall in the field, and the flowers wafted gaily in the drifting wind. She watched in awe at the tranquility of the field. She had no idea where she was, but at the same time, the feeling of familiarity as she shivered to the wind was uncanny. She lay on the picnic blanket with her eyes on the sky. She felt at peace. At the sound of approaching feet, Ruby turned to her left. Her heart swelled when she saw the familiar woman. The permanent character in her trance-like dreams. "Mom, I want a sandwich," Ruby heard herself yell. The woman now inches away from her, chuckled before reaching into a basket to retrieve the snack. Comfortable silence stretched as they ate. They watched the birds chirp from the trees close by and the bees that sucked the sweet nectar from the vibrant flower. "I want to stay here forever," Ruby sighed. "You say that every time we come here," the wom