Seeking refuge among the trees, sunlight and sounds of nature. Longing for an outside force to settle over her and calm her cravings for his touch. A large boulder set amid a grove of trees calls to her as a place of solitude.
Her bare feet sink into the mossy ground. Sunlight has warmed the hollow where she positions herself. Barely feeling her body touch the natural chair, she stares into the rays of sun carrying tiny particles of pollen and dust. Closing her eyes, a feeling of solace weighs her down. At last she can concentrate on the warm sun soaking into her skin, revel in the call of the various birds around her, and sink into a deep nothingness where there is no thought or sensation, only peace.
The bird calls meld into a constant song. The world becomes a fuzzy, distant place that she no longer cares to be a part of. Breathing deeply, she finds herself drifting further, very much aware, but no longer attached to her worldly presence.
She imagines the sunlight as a physical force, pictures it soaking into her skin and filling the void where her heart once was. The presence of light in the darkness of her soul is unsettling and freeing at the same time.
Unavoidably her thoughts drift to him. They always do. The sun stops penetrating the darkness and a chill comes over her. An intense longing and desire takes over her body. Damn him! He can't give her a moment's peace, even in her own head, her own thoughts. That is the price she has paid by opening herself and letting him become part of her.
Tears gather under her closed eyelids and run down her cheek, glistening in the sunshine. As the shed tears land on the rock, she feels a wave of nausea overtake her, a resonation with no sound. Her body thrums with a vibration that seems to come from the earth itself. She opens her eyes hesitantly to see that her surroundings have become blurry and changed somewhat. Dreaming is the only answer that makes sense, and yet, she is awake. Her heartbeat increases as fright settles over her, no longer familiar with her surroundings.
Glancing around her, the rock on which she sat is still beneath her. However, there is now a field of tall grass surrounding a glistening lake. The sunlight reflects off the surface, casting a million diamonds that hurt her eyes. She lowers her foot to test the ground. Wetness clings to her feet as the morning dew in this foreign place has not yet subsided. The grass is lush and green and feels like a natural carpet placed there just for her comfort.
A noise draws her attention. Off in the distance, two swans stretch their wings and glide over the sparkling lake. Circling, the swans approach and tuck their wings to come to a graceful landing in the lake of diamonds and sapphire. Such beautiful, elegant creatures, they turn their gaze upon her, and she is again struck by a chill as their black eyes search hers for acknowledgment. A glint in the eye of the larger swan causes her to gasp. A feeling of familiarity washes over her.
She lowers her other foot to the ground without breaking the swan's gaze. Walking slowly, barely aware of the grass underfoot, she approaches the brilliant cerulean water. The swan looks away and begins to swim around his mate.
As each step takes her closer to the water's edge, she becomes more consumed by need. The pure desire to feel the water surround her and get lost in its depths is so overwhelming. Her step quickens until she reaches the shore. Without thought, she strips off her dress and undergarments.
