Short Story: The Meadow
There’s this meadow in the middle of nowhere. It’s filled with luscious flowers; enchanting bluebells, fresh fuchsia, elegant rose. The omnipotent, ever-glowing sun filters through the tall, strong evergreens, swaying calmly. A babbling brook flows along the meadow, giving life to plants, old and new. The deep aromatic grass strokes your knees as you chase a butterfly, flattering through the gentle breeze. You can hear a soft, delicate melody as chirping birds fly from branch to branch. A rabbit races across the grass, eagerly following its friend.
It’s a place filled with life. With love. With happiness. A place where you’re always welcomed with open arms. It knows no pain, no sadness no misfortune. You’re always loved. Never forgotten.
An eagle soars across the sky. You watch it out of the corner of your eye, marveling at its powerful, majestic wings and gorgeous coloring. You close your eyes, a gentle breeze rifling through your hair. You are encapsulated by light, by possibility, by splendor. Nothing can stop you. Nothing can hold you down. You can be whoever you want to be. You can do whatever you want. You are free.
The tickling sensation slowly gets stronger, until you realize it’s not the breeze that is tickling you. Your eyes flash open. The resplendent eagle you marveled at minutes earlier has turned into a terrifying monster, shooting balls of fire all around you. Your safe haven is under siege.
You try to run, to scream for help, but you are paralyzed. There is nothing you can do to fight this. Nothing you can do to save your precious home. You are helpless, hopeless, haphazardly searching for a way out of this mess. How did something so beautiful become something awful in seconds?
The meadow burns. The meadow is forgotten. The meadow is gone.
I hope you guys enjoyed this short little story I wrote recently.
I wanted to explore the somewhat dramatic change in many people’s view of the world as they grow up, when they realize it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, through a metaphor. It’s a little angsty and dramatic, but I hope it brings this across.
Thank you so much for reading this! I really hope you enjoyed the story. Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/LisaEftimescu
Written February 6th and 15th, 2020
Published January 18th, 2020
