The birds were chirping. Their notes carried like music, giving the forest its own song. A song I hadn't heard in what felt like forever.

My long red hair was blowing around me furiously, tickling my face and covering my eyes. The wind held no mercy as it swept the trees, throwing branches and leaves around.

Even though the clouds were growing dark, on the verge of a storm, I couldn't help but feel safe within the confines of the forest. The trees, though dark and brooding in their nature seemed protecting all the same.

A twig snapped, something fell, but I knew I was safe. I knew I wasn't in any danger. I walked forward. I didn't know where I was going. I was following the light shining through the trees. Following my destiny. Whatever it was, I would find it.

I could feel them walking next to me. Michael and Reilly. My brother and friend. I could feel their presence, as I pushed forward through the darkening forest. Being together made me feel so less alone. Together, as a family. Free at last, to be ourselves. With no danger in sight, I let everything overcome me. The light of the sky, the dirt beneath my feet, the rustling in the trees, the beating of our hearts.

But in the moment I realized how perfect everything was, I realized it wasn't real at all. It was only a dream, and the worst thing about dreams is that, eventually, you will have to wake up.