Spirits and Sorrows

Peter climbed the tree in his squirrel form and perched on a branch. Since his fight with Hannah two nights ago, he’d stayed in the woods so he could cool down.

He felt remorseful for fighting on their anniversary. He regretted some of the words he said and was angry at her at the same time. She knew how much he wanted to get back home and knew there was no way he would just settle into life in the Human Realm without doing everything it took to get back to his rightful home. He felt like a cold-blooded bastard for telling her he was choosing his world over her but it was the truth and there was no use denying it.

He knew it was wrong of him to not let her know if he was okay or to check on her but he couldn’t face her at the moment. For now, until he could get a better grip on his emotions, he thought it was best to keep his distance.

He felt a series of conflicted emotions. He loved her with all of his heart. He truly did. The four years he’d spent with her were one of the happiest times in his life and it shattered his heart that he might have to leave her one day. He had a feeling if he got the portal open, she would choose to stay here and not come with him. It was horrible to admit it, but his love for his home and everyone else in it overrode his love for her. If he was ever able to get back, he would miss her for the rest of his life.

His heart was torn. He knew that whatever decision he made would result in him having to leave something he loved behind. The choice he’d have to make was going to be pure torture.

He glumly laid down on the branch and closed his eyes, wishing his life wasn’t so damned difficult.

He sat by the beach on the outskirts of Ocean Falls, gazing out at the horizon. He’d lived in Ocean Falls before moving to Raven City when he was fourteen years old. Before moving, he would frequently come to the beach when no one else was around for peace after a long, tumultuous day.

He loved Raven City but at times he missed Ocean Falls. The two territories were similar to each other but Ocean Falls had more peaceful serenity while Raven City was full of life and never slept. One day, he might move back to Ocean Falls.

He gave his head a shake, clearing the ramblings from his mind. He looked around and realized this wasn’t a mere dream, it was a dreamscape.

He jumped to his feet and looked around for Laura. He found her about fifty feet away, wearing a purple t-shirt and jeans and barefoot, walking along the ocean shore.

“Laura!” he called out and ran to her.

She looked up in time for him to embrace her and spin her around in his arms. “It’s so good to see you.”

She wriggled out of his arms and pushed him back. “Peter, it’s great to see you too, but I don’t have much time. I told the others about you and we’re trying to bring you back tonight.”

“Thank -”

“But it can only be done tonight. You need to be working on a portal from your end while they create one on our end. The magic from the two portals can create a gateway between the two realms and you’ll be able to get through. Nathaniel and the others will be able to track your location so they’ll be able to know where you are. They’re going to start after the sun sets.”

“Why tonight only?”

“We’re going to search for the Iron Arrow and we don’t have any time to spare. Be ready for tonight or else you won’t have another chance.”

He absorbed all of this information. He nodded at her and said, “I’ll be there.”

She started to disappear.

“Be there Peter!” she called out one last time. “It’s our only chance!”

His eyes shot open as the sun rose in the sky. His mind raced as he thought over Laura’s words. He only had twelve hours to leave.

This was it. This was his chance to get home.

He thought of Hannah and his heart broke. He had to tell her what just happened and give her the choice to come with him. He wasn’t sure if she would or not but he had to ask. He couldn’t live with himself if he didn’t. If she chose to not come with him, then he wanted to say goodbye.

He shifted into a sparrow and flew to her.