Little Inklings 2024

I begin to slowly close my eyes to hear the harmonious noises of the birds in the large oak trees, and the soft crunch of the leaves beneath my feet as I walk carefully on the dirt path. I take a deep breath, letting everything that worries me escape my lungs. I could sit in this forest for ages, not feeling anything but calm, but it slowly turns to night, so I must hurry. Finally, I arrive home to my old cabin. My cabin may look small to the human eye, but looks can deceive. It has everything I need, a kitchen, bathroom, living room, and a bedroom. I am greeted by a huge fluffy dog, who almost causes me to fall down. His name is Monoceros, named after my favorite constellation. I give hima big hug and walk to the kitchen to fill a vase with a little bit of water to put in the beautiful purple and white chrysanthemums I previously collected. Monoceros and I step outside onto my porch and sit on my old rocking chair, which has survived many storms and three very hungry racoons. I glance up at the stars and begin to name all the ones in my line of sight. Auriga, Columba, Canis Major, Gemini, Puppis, Camelopardalis, and finallyMonoceros, I say, glancing at my dog with a soft smile. The sound of laughter snaps me back to reality. “Hello? I asked you a question. Are you even paying attention?” I hear my teacher say. When I open my eyes, I take in the heartbreaking realization that it is not nighttime, I am not looking at constellations, I am not rocking in an old chair, I don’t have a huge fluffy dog named after a constellation, and I most definitely am not in a cabin in the woods. I am in a math classroom and instead of hearing the natural noises of a forest, I hear the laughter of my classmates, and instead of feeling the slow rock of a rocking chair against the cold night air, I feel my face turn bright red with embarrassment. My peaceful escape from my reality was all but a daydream. FANTASY By: Adriana Coello de Portugal ’29 86