67 THESE DREAMS I HAD

KAREN'S POV I felt the gentle tug at my hand, a silent invitation from Percy as he led me away from the chatter and clinking of the world behind. We walked through the patchwork of sunlight and shade cast down by the old, wise trees, their leaves whispering secrets of the ages with each rustle. The air was fresh, filled with the mingled scents of pine and earth, a natural perfume that cleared my mind and soothed my soul. We both ventured deeper into the embrace of nature, the sound of water playing a melody against the rocks grew louder. It was a stream, its surface glinting like scattered diamonds beneath the sun’s benevolent gaze. The water moved with purpose, swirling, leaping, and laughing over the pebbles and stones that dared to disrupt its path. It was a dance of pure joy, an endless rush of life that beckoned us closer. Percy led me to the bank of the stream, where the grass was a carpet of vibrant green, and wildflowers nodded their colorful heads in a gentle breez