The Dream That Saved My Soul

     

     She stood in a gorgeous field of fresh, emerald green grass. The crisp, clean air caressed  her cheeks. Sending a pleasant shiver down her spine. a light aroma of lavender and roses wafted through air. The sun shone brightly, a cloudless,  blue sky welcoming her. A woman in a long, splendid white dress stood off in the distance, a gorgeous smile on her face. The woman suddenly appeared in front of Athena. Her presence filling her soul with comfort and love. The woman began to approach her with caution, Athena did not move, fearless of the beautiful woman. 

The woman embraced her, cradling her like a newborn baby. Athena pushed the woman away softly, not in disgust, but in curiosity. She digested her features with wandering eyes. The woman looked exactly like her. With her soft lips, warm eyes, and smile. "Who are you?" Athena whispered desperately. The woman stroked her cheek lovingly, her lips moved but no sound or breath escaped. "Who am I? Who do you think I am?" The woman smirked, her eyes still locked onto Athena. "...Mom?" Athena began to tremble, her legs wobbling in realization.

 The woman smiled fully now, her straight teeth gleaming in the sunlight. Athena's mother embraced her with long, slender arms. "Yes, now hush." Athena clung to her mother, weeping quietly into her shoulder. "Come stop your crying, it will be alright. Just take my hand, hold it tight. I will protect you from all around you, I will be here, don't you cry... For one so small, you seem so strong... My arms will hold you, keep you safe and warm. This bond between us can't be broken, I will be here, don't you cry. Because you'll be in my heart, yes you'll be in my heart. From this day on, now and forever more. When destiny calls, I may not be with you, but you have to hold on. You'll be here in my heart, now and forever more. Always..." 

 

Eyes fluttering open, the dream had vanished, like fine mist in a cool winter evening. Letting a shaky sigh, Athena still felt the haunting embrace of her mothers touch. Her soul yearned for her mothers voice, for her love. Instead, she smiled softly to herself, humming the song her mother had sung to her when she was a baby. "You'll Be In My Heart, always..."