What dreams do children dream?
Persephone sat quietly on a wooden bridge. Her legs dangled down, her tiny white feet broke the surface of the stream. The crystalline waters of the rivulet bathed them softly. A hummingbird darted near the water's surface, a brilliant winged jewel. At times it whirred motionless above the water. Then angry at the reflected beauty below, dived heedlessly, only to rise again as the rapid beat of its wings distorted the liquid mirror.
Persephone smiled, watched with amused attention.
Another hummingbird approached, and soon the two flew away, the first in angry pursuit. A tiny warrior protecting his domain.
Persephone closed her eyes, leaned back to bask in the warmth of the sun. The music of the stream, the softness of the breeze, the quiet solitude of her garden lulled her into a light slumber.
And as she slept, she dreamed.
Games of tag, of skipping ropes, of dolls ran through her mind. Friends she had known, kitty cats, and puppy dogs. Climbing the tall oak tree and seeing the big, wide world from its great height. Swinging on the swing beneath the tree. The taste of blackberries, of cherries, of fresh peaches.
The dreams of childhood.
Her mother, holding her, hugging her. Her mother's smile.
Colored stones, and crystals, and flowers. Beautiful dresses, and grown-up parties yet to come.