is it real?

A small breeze flew through Anthony's hair. The sound of leaves rustling and insects buzzing around sent him somewhere else.

When his eyes opened, a warm smile spread across his face. He saw his mother sitting on an old brown blanket. His head rested on her lap while his older sister ran after a red butterfly.

In the center of the blanket was a plate with small sandwiches, each cut into different shapes and looking extremely tasty. But something else caught his attention.

That smell was back.

"Anthony, sweetie, are you awake? You must be hungry. Eat something," his mother's soft voice filled him with peace. The fingers running through his hair helped him feel at ease.

He was surprised when he heard crunching and felt his mother removing yellow leaves from his hair. Oh, so it's autumn.

Before his mother could say anything, he was up and about. He wrapped his arms around her tightly. He felt his tiny body tremble and tears form in his eyes, but he couldn't help it. "I love you, Mom."

He felt her arms wrap around him and her lips press against his forehead. "I love you too, Anthony... now eat. You must be starving."

He hesitated but let go of her and reached for a sandwich. It was shaped like a star, and he was surprised to see something red in the middle. He stared at it long and hard but couldn't remember what it was.

He took a small bite and almost jumped up and down tasting sweet berries on his tongue. He missed food. He missed being home.

After he gobbled down the sandwich, he didn't take more. He wanted his mom and sister to also have some later.

At first, he had to look around to see what his sister was doing. He saw her running around in a short white dress with splashes of color all around her. It was cold, but she didn't seem to mind. She looked around 10, so he was probably 6.

They were on a small hill with large trees all around and a small lake nearby. He could see movement in the water. Leaves covered the grass all around, and the few flowers that had bloomed were hidden away. The hut should be nearby, but he wasn't ready to go there yet.

Instead, he got ahold of his mom's hand and pulled her up with a playful smile. "Let's go, Mom. Olivia is getting away!"

He knew she wouldn't protest, so he started running after his sister. His arms were outstretched as if he was about to snatch something.

His sister noticed and screamed loudly in terror. Before he could catch her, she sidestepped and ran down the hill toward an opening next to the lake. A ball of white fur noticed her and hopped away, frightened by the chaos that was coming.

Anthony followed after her, but with her longer legs, she was faster than he was. He knew he could still catch her, though.

Instead of running to her directly, he ran around her while their mother playfully moved to go to his sister.

He always missed how the two of them could trick and trap his sister. They were almost in sync when it came to this game.

His sister was focused on their mother and ran to go around her instead. She expected her mother to try and snatch her up, but she was wrong. Instead, she felt hands clench her dress. They were trying to keep her in place, but before she could move to run, their mother joined in.

Their mother now had the power, holding both of her kids while laughing. The girl tried to be serious but couldn't hide her smile, while Anthony started to giggle and hug both.

The scent hit him again. He could smell lavender from both his sister and mom. He didn't know how they got it or what it was, but he liked it.

While he was enjoying the scent, he felt them let go. He wanted to complain, but his eyes widened when his mother lowered his screaming sister into the shallow area of the lake.

"Mom, no! Let go," his sister screamed but burst into a fit of laughter. From her toes to her knees was wet, but her dress wasn't yet.

When his mom glanced at him with a playful but somewhat sinister smile, he understood what she was thinking.

He tried running while he laughed out loud, but she caught him regardless. He managed to stay away for a few seconds but got lifted up.

"You will not escape, Anthony," she joked and brought him back to his sister, who was watching.

Just as his feet were about to touch the water, his eyes shot open.

His body shot up like an arrow and his arms wrapped around himself. His eyes scanned the room with desperation. He searched for the leaves, the lake, and his family but couldn't find them. He felt tears form in his eyes.

His mind tried to comprehend what happened, but it hit him. He was just dreaming...dreaming or remembering something. When he looked down at his lap, he noticed a blanket wrapped around him. It was small but cozy. It was blue.

His eyes fell to the cloth that made him both sick and provided comfort. He pulled it to his nose, but the scent was mostly chemicals now, and little remained of the lavender. He lowered it again and wiped his eyes.

At least he got a good sleep. He just hoped he could see his mother and sister again.

The thought was put on hold when he heard the door swing open and a familiar laughed echoed through the room.

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