On the third night, something different happened.
In her dream, Ariba did not stop at the doorway. She gathered her courage and stepped inside.
She found herself in a vast green meadow. Rivers flowed gently. Mountains stood tall. Birds filled the sky.
At the center sat an elderly woman.
Her hair flowed like rivers.
Her eyes were as deep as the ocean.
Her sari was green like forests.
She spoke softly:
"I am your mother. You call me Earth."
Ariba's heart trembled.
"Why are you speaking to us?" she asked.
The Earth smiled gently.
"Because you have forgotten how to listen."