Neverland

Neverland

"I don't want to die."

I pull the little girl in closer, resting my head on hers.

"We still have time," I say, as I stroke her head. She sobs into my shoulder.

"Why can't I stay anymore?" she asks. "Did I do something wrong?"

I laugh. "No, you've been wonderful."

"Then why do I have to go!"

I close my eyes, wondering how I can possibly explain that which I don't know.

"Why don't we play a game?" I finally say.

The girl's eyes light up, as if both her eyes are stars. "Which one?"

"Whichever one you'd like."

"I want to make a potion."

She stands up and starts gathering twigs, leaves, berries, flowers. She heaps them all into a hole in the ground and mixes them together, spouting random words she heard me practice for French.

"What kind of a potion is it?" I ask, looking into the slimy goop.

"You'll see." Her face is scrunched up in concentration as she continues to swirl the ingredients. "Now give me your hand."

"Why?"

"Because I need it," she says as she leans over and grabs it. She then dips her fingers into the potion and sprinkles it all over my hand and her own.

"There, now we're ready!" she says, obviously very proud of her work.

The midnight bell begins to chime. People burst into the space, hooks and daggers at the ready, waiting for the final stroke.

The little girl looks up to me, scared. "Is it time?"

I try to stay strong. I really do, but I can't help but cry. "Yes."

She crawls into my lap, brushing the tears from my eyes. "You'll remember me, won't you?"

I hold her tighter, desperate for her to stay. "I promise."

She smiles as the final bell rings out and the horde of adults comes for her.

"No!" I scream as they drag me away. "Leave her alone!"

They don't hear me, or at least pretend not to as they stab her. Kick her. Punch her. Harm her in every way conceivable, until there's almost nothing left of her.

I'm dropped on the other side of big, thick doors. I scramble back, clawing at the lock.

"Let me go back!"

One of the adults turns me around to face them, a big smile on their face. "Playtime's over, dear," she says as she drags me away. 

"It's time to grow up."