( Inside Autumn's mind…or a dreamscape…or a parallel reality…not very sure which one…)
Autumn lay on her back… eyes closed, pretending to sleep but very aware.
Something warm and wet tickled her toes.
She stirred.
The damp earth pressed against her back, soft moss cushioning her spine as golden flecks of light filtered through the towering canopy above. She blinked slowly, disoriented.The scent of bark and green leaves brushed her senses.
Again, she felt the wet sensation on her foot.
She lifted her head and found the hound…her forest companion…her brand new pet…panting gleefully beside her, licking at her toes with childish delight. The beast's eyes glimmered in affection, its shadowy tail wagging eagerly.
"Hey, you," she murmured, a sleepy smile tugging at her lips. " Come here! Good boy! Get over here! "
