As night fell, David went out to pick up an old sock hanging by the window. He took it out and put it into the clothes drawer. before walking back to prepare for bed. He looked at Frank, who was unconscious on the bed next to him. Before trying to lie down on the bed, an 8-year- old boy hid himself under a blanket. restlessly. Today's story made him unable to stop thinking.
David's mother left David here. and never came back. This story was so fresh to him. It had only been 4 years ago. Even though Mom's face was beginning to fade, he still remembered, even though the sound and image were not as clear as before. As David soon drifted into the dream realm, strange noises disturbed the stillness of the night. a soft murmur emanating from the corner of his bedroom. It pulled David's mind deep into a trance, causing him to finally fall asleep. David narrowed his eyes slowly. Adjust according to the darkness of the room. He looked towards the end of the bed. Scanning the darkness in the faint moonlight, casting a pure shadow in that darkness. He saw an unusual shadow. It is a tiny figure that looks like a human but is extremely small.
The movement of the moon causes moonlight to shine through. The moving body in front of David. It was as if there were three one-year-old children, their bodies barely visible in the shadow of the moonlight. Chasing happily, the sound that accompanied their movements was a murmur, soft and indistinct.
The barely audible muttered words were in a secret language that he couldn't understand. It was as if nocturnal visitors were engaged in a conversation known only to them. Startled by the strange events unfolding in the children's bedroom, David's initial instinct was to jump up from the bed. In the hope that everyone will wake up to the strange events they are facing. With one quick movement, David sat up on the bed. But the shock of the surreal sight before him made him jump off the bed on unsteady feet. The blanket that slipped down caused him to stumble backwards until his back collided with the resistance of the other wall. Soft moonlight streamed in from the large window behind David.
As David gathered direction His eyes widened with worry and curiosity. The moonlight revealed an unexpected scene: three strange figures standing on the blanket that was now covering both his legs. This bizarre and bizarre figure seemed to exist outside of David's realm of understanding.
"Hello, David!" a voice, unfamiliar, greeted him from the midst of the trio.
David was slightly startled. He swallowed loudly! He was shocked. What was this strange thing? So, where did it come from?
How did it know me? A hundred and eight thousand and nine questions rushed through his head. A tense body, sweating because you can't do something right. As a result, David is forced to remain stuck in that situation.
"This guy, he's just a little brat. I don't think that's the case. This doesn't look cool!"
The strange creature from the left Wearing a green conical hat, walked closer to look at David's face and pursed his lips, making an expression of displeasure.
"This is Eleanor's child!"
The strange creature from the right corner walked closer to look at David's face. carefully
David just pulled his face away. Because I didn't want to make eye contact with the three strange creatures.Uncomfortable with this action and the strange teasing. David instinctively withdrew his face. The three of them were strange. It seemed to be prevented by David's reluctance. Still staring in wonder at David's face. David tried to look around. It was not found that any of his friends had heard him fall off the bed or that no one had woken up. It was as if all his friends were asleep in a trance. Or was this just his dream? The room was filled with otherworldly energy as the strange trio continued to examine David. After a few seconds, the tension in the atmosphere thickened.
And the moonlight cast long shadows, which made the shadows of the three monsters even longer, like the shadows of terrifying demons.
Breaking the hushed stillness, the creature in the green conical hat.
shook his head disapprovingly, muttering to his companions,
"This doesn't look cool at all. Why is he so ordinary?"
The companion from the right, who had mentioned Eleanor earlier, tilted his head and spoke in a language that sounded like a delicate melody. The words resounded in the air. It was as if they were in different dimensions. David, caught between curiosity and caution, finally found the courage to speak,
"Who are you, and why are you here?"
David's stammering voice sounded.
The trio exchanged glances, their expressions shifting from scrutiny to a subtle acknowledgment of David's presence. The creature in the green hat, now identified as Spriggle, spoke with a mischievous grin,
"We're here to unveil the veils of your reality, David."
"....."
"And most importantly, we are elves. Do you know me?"
Sprinkler pointed a finger at David and winked once. David was slightly startled.
Comrades from the right known as Thistledown.
Said in a voice that resounded like a gentle breeze,
"David, you are connected to our kingdom. Just like Eleanor, your mother."
Thistledown came into conversation with a polite expression.
"Do you guys know about my mother?" David asked curiously.
"Yes!"
The three elves nodded in response. Moonshadow spoke gently,
"We love Eleanor. She was dear to our kingdom."
"Where did Mom go?"
David asked with a sad expression.
A hand, calloused on the uneven skin, gently touched the blanket that hid David's legs beneath it. It was as if he wanted to console the boy in front of him.
Moonshadow, the third elf, approached with a comforting touch, as if to console the boy. As Moonshadow stepped into the light, the details of their appearance became clearer. Their dark green skin bore bumps, and their ears were as big and long as a fox's. Adorned in simple red vests, dark brown pants, and belts with large gold buckles, each elf wore a unique colored hat: red, green, and yellow. Shoulder bags in the same shade as their vests completed their distinctive attire.
David saw this. So, he couldn't hold back his tears. And David's tears welled up, his small shoulders trembling with grief. Moonshadow crouched down beside him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"It's alright, young one,"
Moonshadow whispered, their voice carrying a soothing melody.
"Eleanor has embarked on a journey to a special place. A place where her spirit will shine forever, watching over you like a guiding star."
"Really, Eleanor, just forgot about us. When we live in the human world for a long time, we forget who we used to be. We will forget our dreams, our fantasies, the things we wanted to experience. Only difficulties remain. Happiness is right in front of us, and many people call that the truth. We who you see now will be just a faint memory. And one day you will forget us,"
Thistledown continued.
David looked up. His eyes were still filled with tears. Searching for answers in Moonshadow's gaze, two other elves also joined in. Both came to hug David, both from David's left and right.
To console the boy that just heard the news that He had lost his beloved mother forever.
The elf with the red hat, named Thistledown, spoke
softly,
"Your mother was a cherished friend to our kingdom.
She had a heart full of kindness and courage, just like you."
"...."
"And she left something for you,"
Moonshadow, the elf in the yellow hat, added. He reached into his shoulder bag. Then he pulled out a small red wooden box. But when he opened it, it was empty.
David wiped away his tears and looked at the box curiously. Moonshadow and the other two elves had sad expressions on their faces.
"This is the Moonstone Amulet. Under my care It's a piece of lunar crystal. Santa uses it to create energy to travel to this world. Come send gifts to the children. Now it's gone,"
Moon Shadow explained.
"It was a gift from an angel. When you wear it, you will be able to navigate everything. This crystal will guide you through both light and darkness. Protects you from good and bad situations. Without it, Santa can't travel. The deer do not have the strength to travel such a long distance from this faraway place with their tiny legs,"
Moon Shadow said. Shaking his head slightly with disappointment
Moonshadow continued,
"Alright, little David, would you like to hear more about the elven kingdom? Your mother always spoke of you with such fondness. And we are honored to share her adventures and the magical kingdom she calls home."
"Home?"
David nodded, smiling faintly, letting go of his sorrow as Moonshadow continued to narrate the tale of the Elven Kingdom. A bond began to form between the grieving boy and the three elves, creating a bridge between the mortal world and the enchanted realm that Eleanor once called home.
David, now in a state of confusion, pondered whether, as he grew up, he would continue to perceive these elves as merely imaginary friends. However, the tangible presence of the elves before him made it all seem so real. He questioned whether this was just another story that teachers read every day or a fantastical reality unfolding before his eyes. He gazed at the three elves, their stories woven together into a tapestry of magic and wonder.
As Moonshadow wove tales of the Elven Kingdom, David's curiosity deepened. The elves shared stories of ancient forests bathed in moonlight, shimmering rivers that sparkled with the magic of the moonstone, and towering trees with branches that reached the sky. David, captivated by the enchanting descriptions, found himself drawn into a world he had never imagined. Thistledown spoke of the Elven Council, a wise group of elves who governed with fairness and kindness. Spriggle described the magical creatures that roamed the kingdom, from playful pixies to majestic unicorns. Thistledown shared stories of the grand feasts held under the silver glow of the moon, where elves, fairies, and other mystical beings gathered in joyous celebration.
So lonely until it was able to capture the mind of a child. Like the cold. In the midst of this solitude, the three friends standing before him became a beacon of warmth and companionship. To David, they were more than imaginary; they were true friends. In that moment, he didn't concern himself with whether elves would one day seek his help or if the enchanting tales were merely stories. What mattered was the connection, the bond that transcended the ordinary. He momentarily forgot that he wasn't deemed special by the world. Yet, tonight, he was special to someone, these three elves who had shared stories, comfort, and a glimpse into a magical world. The revelation that Santa hadn't visited him wasn't due to his lack of importance but rather the crystal shards he possessed. Therein lay a mystery, a connection to a larger narrative that began to unfold in the presence of his replacement by the warmth of camaraderie, and David felt a sense of significance in the shared moments with the elves.
As the story unfolds, David's sadness turns to wonder. Elf's words paint a vivid picture of a world filled with love, magic, and harmony. He couldn't help but feel a connection to the kingdom his mother came from.
Time passed until the sun shone golden light through the window behind David and entered the room. causing tiny golden dust particles to be seen floating in the air. It covers the elves who are fighting to tell the story of their kingdom. The bodies of the three of them began to fade as the sunlight brightened. Until it disappears before your eyes
David tried to grab them. But he could only hold on to the warm air of the morning sun. The bell rang to mark the time, and dozens of children began to return to the real world, including David. David looked around. Friends who are starting to wake up receive the morning sunlight.
A Child's Solace
So lonely once, the silence deep,
Yet in that stillness, dreams did creep;
Three friends of light, in shadows cast,
A warmth, a bond that held him fast.
No need to ask if elves were real,
For in their tales, his heart could heal;
Not judged by world, yet special now,
Their stories wove a sacred vow.
The shards he held, a secret kept,
A thread of magic softly swept.
From sorrow's veil to wonder's gleam,
He glimpsed the kingdom of his dreams.
As dawn's gold dust adorned the air,
The elves did fade with gentle care;
Yet in his heart their voices stay,
Guiding him through night and day.
The bell then calls the children's fate,
Back to the world where mornings wait;
But David's soul forever bright,
Keeps close the friends of magic light.
"Hi David, where were you last night?"
Frank asked with a smile on his face. David's eyes widened. With a shocked expression on Frank's face just now.
David blinked, still processing the transition from the magical tales of the Elven Kingdom to the reality of his friends waking up around him. He stammered for a moment before composing himself.
"I... I was with the elves," he muttered, his mind still caught between the enchanting stories and the waking world.
"The elves?"
Frank raised an eyebrow, exchanging puzzled glances with the other kids who had gathered around.
"What are you talking about, David? Are you sure you weren't dreaming?"
David looked down at the Moonstone in his hand, a tangible reminder of the otherworldly encounter. He hesitated, unsure of how to explain the ethereal experience that felt so real.
"No, it wasn't a dream," he said, his voice more assured.
"Moonshadow, Thistledown, and Spriggle were real. They told me about the Elven Kingdom, and my mom, and..."
He trailed off, realizing how fantastical it all sounded.
An 8-year-old child who is telling a story about an amazing encounter, how do you say it? It was no different from them just waking up from a dream. Sister walked into the room. To call the children to breakfast.
"Alright, everyone, hurry down and eat breakfast.
Before it gets cold!"
"Yes, sir!"
The children answered the command. They all left the room and left David's imagination alone.
The other kids exchanged glances, some with skepticism and others with curiosity. Frank, still with a playful smile, patted David on the shoulder.
"Elves, huh? Well, I hope they brought back some cool stories. We've got a lot to catch up on, buddy. Let's head to breakfast."
As the children left the room, David grabbed the moonstone crystal.
It symbolized the silence of the special night he had just experienced. He looked back one last time at the space where the elves stood. Their pale forms bathed in the morning sun. It is a memory that will live on in his heart. It is a bridge between the magical realm and the real world. Even though the Magic Kingdom was his alternate reality that night, David turned around and walked out of the room. Leave a space of memories bathed in the morning sun. The hallway echoed with the chatter of children as they made their way to the common area for breakfast. David followed the familiar path, the enchanted tales still lingering in his mind. He glanced out of the windows, where the morning sun painted the world with hues of gold and amber.
When he entered the busy common area, He saw his friends, their faces glowing with the excitement of the new day. Frank waved at him, and the others greeted him with cheerful smiles. Yet, David carried the story of his encounter with the three elves with him. The memories of the elves and the elf kingdom were ingrained in his consciousness.
The children sat down for breakfast, and David, lost in thought, gazed out of the window. The sun had fully risen, casting a brilliant light that danced on the surface of the morning dew. The memory of the elves, the Elven Kingdom, and the moonstone crystal created a sacred space within him, a space bathed in the morning sun, where magic and reality intertwined, and where the bridge between two worlds remained, eternally alive in his heart.
"Are you still thinking about elves, David?!"
Frank asked. While putting away the dishes that he had just finished eating breakfast, he washed them. David turned to look at Frank and nodded.
Frank, a 10-year-old boy, is older than David. He could only smile at David's innocent face.
"Yeah, I can't stop thinking about them,"
David replied, his gaze returning to the world outside the window.
"It was like a dream, but it felt so real. Moonshadow, Thistledown, and Spriggle, they told me about this amazing Elven Kingdom."
Frank chuckled, patting David on the back.
"Elves and a magical kingdom, huh?"
"..."
David didn't reply. He was just a boy with a lot of ideas. He could only stare outside. And the days changed according to the seasons and the ages of the two boys. And the same event happened again at the same place when the two boys came out to clean up the area around the orphanage. Or this old church in a city full of nature and fresh breeze.
"Are you still thinking about your elves? Your fantasy story, I'm not going to tell. But we're just growing up..."
Sounds like quite the Frank asked David. As he was sweeping up fallen leaves outside the orphanage building, Frank reached into both pockets of his old, dull blue overalls. His golden hair fell over both of his earlobes. pale green eyes Looking out through the rusted black fence of the old building. Now that Frank is 15 years old, the boy is starting to become a young man. With a beautiful face, David couldn't help but take his eyes off this friend. Even now that David is 13 years old, he is growing up too.
" Don't know."
David stopped sweeping the floor. Then look outside like Frank. He sighed heavily.
"In a few years, I will be out. grow up to be an adult," Frank said.
"Yes, what are you going to do, Frank?"
"I don't know. I'm going to be a soldier. What do you think?
Frank raised his eyebrows and smiled sweetly.
"It doesn't look right on your handsome face. What if you were a star? What do you think?"
David replied with an innocent face. Frank accidentally let out a laugh.
"Really? Ha Ha Ha. Is that good? I'm afraid the girls will run after me in droves. I can't handle it like that."
Frank chuckled at David's response, the camaraderie between the two friends evident in their banter. He leaned against the broom, glancing at the rusted black fence that enclosed the world they knew.
"You're not that handsome. That day will never
come,"
David's honesty made Frank stop laughing, and then he
turned away from his friend, a playful smirk on his face.
"Ouch! David. That hurts,"
Frank pretended to pout, dramatically placing a hand over his heart.
"I guess I'll have to settle for being a soldier then. No stardom for me."
David laughed, the carefree sound echoing in the quiet surroundings. The fallen leaves rustled under their feet, a reminder of the changing seasons and the passage of time.
"But seriously, Frank, what do you think it's like out there?"
David asked, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
"Do you think it's as adventurous as the stories we used to dream about?"
Frank looked into the distance, his gaze extending beyond the limits of the orphanage grounds.
"I hope so, David. I hope it's a grand adventure. Maybe not elves and magic kingdoms, but something... something that makes it all worthwhile."
The two friends stood there for a moment. Contemplating the unknown future that awaits them outside the familiar walls. The rusty fence is even weathered and dilapidated. But it seems to be a sign of a new beginning. As David sweeps up the fallen leaves, the whispers of their dreams still linger in the autumn air. Blown away by the wind that carried the unfathomable scent of hope to the people in the city.
Contemplating the unknown journey ahead, the whispers of their dreams lingered in the autumn air. The leaves, carried away by the wind, seemed to carry with them the unfathomable scent of hope, dispersing it to the people in the city. In that quiet moment, as they prepared to step beyond the confines of the known, the rusty fence transformed into a metaphorical threshold, a portal to possibilities, growth, and a future waiting to be written.
The city, with all its bustling streets and diverse lives, stood before them like an open book. The wind, carrying the fragrance of hope, whispered tales of resilience and courage to anyone willing to listen. As they embarked on this journey, David and his friend felt the echoes of their dreams resonating in the air, a subtle reminder that, despite the challenges ahead, the fragrance of hope could guide them through the twists and turns of the unknown path they were about to tread.
The Dreamer's Gate
Beyond the fence, the skies turn wide,
A child walks on with hope as guide.
He builds a world where love can stay,
And dreams will lead him back one day.