Magic Chalice

 A flash fiction for the New Year! Start 2024 by joining my Patreon and buying my poetry book. Doing so will support me as a writer.

    The chilled bronze chalice kisses your lips. Slowly sip the frothy liquid, and the foam sits atop your upper lip. As the fizz slides over your tongue, none of the bubbles pop. The sweet spice of the drink causes tingles across your tastebuds. As you swallow the bubbles, they pop inside your throat. The sensation reminds you of Pop Rocks combusting down into your stomach. Every last bubble within the bronzed chalice becomes consumed. You placed the cup back on the table as the final popped bubble entered your gut. As a tickling sensation rises from your tummy, you giggle. END.

A Teddy Bear

 Here's a short and sweet piece of the holiday season. Check out my Patreon and buy my poetry book to support my writing.

    When Momma made me a teddy bear, she collected large scraps of pastel fabric. The pastel colors all had either white stripes or polka dots.

"To add character," Momma said.

Once the pieces are sewn together, it is time for the fluff. I am told to hug my teddy bear.

"To fill it with love," Momma explained.

The teddy bear is firm enough to sit up but soft enough to cuddle all night.

"I'll give your bear brown eyes and a brown nose, just like you," said Momma.

With brown thread, the eyes and nose are stitched on. Now it's perfect. END.

Weird Menace

It's that time of year again, and I hope you're having a stress-free Thanksgiving whether you celebrate it or not. And if you'd like to support my writing, check out my patreon or buy my poetry book.

        "Rise," you hear a muffled feminine voice order you. 

You struggle to follow the command. Your body is sluggish, and your eyes twitch under your eyelids. Your whole body shivers. You have to get up. You received an order. This feeling of needing to obey runs through your stiff blood.

"Hello...hello? I can see that you've heard me." Two pairs of feet shuffle around you.

"The body should be working fine? It is one of the freshest corpses I have on hand," the masculine voice pauses briefly, "Is it possible that you did the ritual wrong?"

"I shouldn't have, but this is the first time I've done something like this- the eyes just opened!"

Your vision adjusts as you stare above you. The black woman before you has her braids wrapped in a messy ponytail. Her pair of thin-rim glasses slide slowly off her nose as she stares at you. Her lips and white teeth grin in excitement.

The racially ambiguous man on your other side has olive-tan skin. His brown hair seems to have had fingers run through it repeatedly. The edge of a tattoo pokes out because of several undone buttons from his shirt.

Where the hell are you, and who are these people? You try to open your mouth but can't; panic takes over. Your limbs move awkwardly, leaving you to flail about pathetically. The man holds laughter in his eyes as the woman looks on pitifully. Then, with a sigh, she pushes her glasses up.

"Stop. You're going to ruin Remy's hard work. And I don't have the energy to do the ritual again."

Again, your body moves on command and halts in its flailing. You move your body to sit up properly, as lying down feels too vulnerable. Whatever is up with your body, this stranger is responsible and in control of you. You expect fear, but none comes. How could it be when the reason for your current awareness centers on this woman and Remy? You register that the two are talking, but their voices are nothing but a hum. As if the low electrical current running through the lights possesses feminine and masculine components. The fluid noise seeps through the sluggish sparks of brain activity: the world blurs, and focus leaves. You should worry about losing control, but the woman hasn't said you should. So, you won't fret.

"...Hey...hey, pay attention!" her voice breaks through.

Your eyes focus once more, and your head turns to her. Should you've been listening? You haven't been paying attention. But she doesn't seem angry. Remy has apparently been observing your body. However, none of his touches register. Even while looking at him flexing your foot, there's zero sensation. You should feel uncomfortable with a stranger touching you, but you can't.

Remy ends his analysis, "Everything is in order, Elise. The body should last three days, as long as it gets fridge for several hours."

"Thank you, love. It seems like I'll be able to keep my promise," Elise gives Remy a quick kiss, "Now that I got a zombie on my side, it's time to get you some clothes. So come along, undead, get off of the examination table."

Just like that, you're up and off the table. Following behind Elise, you notice that Remy is watching you closely. Despite the harsh stare, you feel nothing. Your brain goes cottony as you follow Elise outside the morgue operation room. In less than five minutes, Elise leads you into a locker room. She quietly hands you a  gray sweatshirt and pants. Ordering you to change out of the hospital gown, she turns around to give you privacy. Picking up the discarded hospital gown, Elise tosses it into a large laundry basket. She tells you to follow her again, and you leave the morgue. The above world bathed in the gentle orange light is different from the sterile white of the underworld. Despite the living going about their day, no one notices an undead among them.

You take notice of your body when you make your way to the parking lot. It's foreign and holds experiences you'll never know. If you could speak, you'd ask Elise who the former owner was. You doubt that the previous host donated their body for possible possession by an alien spirit. That is a type of "science" that isn't government-supported.

"Will you get in the car?" Elise looks amused.

You open the passenger side and duck in. Then you close the car door behind you and buckle up. You have some will over your new body in these small, mundane moments. But you can't be sure that is the case. Only your thoughts are your own, for now at least. Elise starts the car and drives down the less busy street of the city. The windows are cracked open, and the early evening city noise is pleasant. You zone out and allow yourself to be a part of the living again. However, were you ever a living person? You would ask, but you're unable to talk.

"I can tell you got questions. I'll answer some, and others I will be unable to." You feel Elise's eyes briefly flicker towards you.

"The body you're possessing is unclaimed. The departed spirit's body is in good condition. It made it easier for me to call on you to inhabit it. I don't know if you're someone else's spirit or the original owner. I know you're not violent and can only stay in the living world for three days. After your spirit departs from this body, I don't know where your soul goes."

Hearing all this, you don't know what you can do. You can't ask for more details. You don't get any choice of when you'll stop obeying Elise. You have three days back in the living world doing whatever someone else wants. Being undead, you realize, is unfair. To cheat the natural law of the world, you must give up your free will. The rest of the car ride remains silent. Elise focuses on driving to your destination, and you're left to simmer in your thoughts. END.

The Gathering at the Apple Orchard

 Surprise, you get two blog updates back-to-back. I hope you have a good Dia de los Muertos.

    In the chilled autumn air, a gathering commences in the center of an apple orchard. A half-moon hangs above at the 3:00 hour. The morning fog clings to the damp soil, increasing the late-night wet chill. Three masked figures stand apart at ease with each other despite it being their first meeting. It is the tallest masked figure to introduce themselves.

    "Greetings," says the Person in Red.

    "Hello," the Woman in Blue eyes them.

    "Salutations, new friends!" the Man in Yellow grins.

    The Woman in Blue, a native of the local village, questions the two strangers, "Are you both willing to reveal who you are to me?"

    With giddy energy for such a late hour, the Man in Yellow replies, "Why, of course, my dear lady, I am a poet of Vilhilrel. Allow me to familiarize you with my home." Thus, the Yellow Poet speaks of Vilhilrel.

An Ode to Vilhilrel

Nestle, between folds of honeyed wheat fields, is the golden city of Vilhilrel. 

Where regrets stalk doubt-infested wanderers, 

Immortal children swallow falling stars and thus become mortal gods. 

The twin moons compete for the affection of the black sun,

Raising zealous cults dedicated to one of the twin moons. 

The Red Moon Cult paints glittering roads with decapitated red tulips, 

While the Dark Moon Cult rains plucked petals of unstained gardenia. 

But the black sun bleeds the twin moons' affection into the populace of Vilhilrel, 

Guiding a frenzy of living dreams and unconscious daydreams, 

With the whispering winds enchanting a cycle of life and death.

    The Woman in Blue scoffs, "Vilhilrel sounds as believable as the ramblings of a nightmare-scared child."

    "Believable or not, my dear lady, now that you and our red soak friend know of Vilhilrel, you can never unknow it," the Poet in Yellow ends with a giggle. His companions are a part of the fabric of Vilhilrel. He looks to the Person in Red, "My beloved friend in red, could you enlighten us on who you are?"

    The Person in Red slightly bows their head in acknowledgment before answering, "I am the red illness."

    "What are your signs of sickness? I demand to know," the Woman in Blue steps closer to the Red Illness.

    The twinge of fear tickles the ear of the Red Illness. Wanting to divulge the symptoms their presence causes in their victims, they answer, "I start with giving the unfortunate soul hot red hives. Either ointment or ice can temper the unbearable itch. Only scratching themselves raw will do the trick—next, uncontrollable bleeding combined with red, runny eyes. Finally, the eyes crust over because of the eye residue blinding with a wall of red. While continuously bleeding with a low chance of surviving the blood loss." After briefly pausing, the Red Illness turns to the Woman in Blue, "Why did you call for us?"

    "Do you even know why you called us, my dear?" said the Poet in Yellow.

    "I know why I called you both, for I'm the Mourner of the Lost," says the Mourner.

    The Red Illness sneers at her as the Poet in Yellow laughs at her words. As the threat of the early morning comes, the Mourner finds no time to be insulted by the other two. The sickness spreading from village to village is set to doom her old home. Only the embodiment of the disease can answer her questions. The foolish Poet can wander in his nonsense for all she cares.

    The Mourner asks, "Red Illness, will you be plaguing the village this orchard belongs to?"

    "I cannot say," the Red Illness abruptly departs from the orchard.

    The Poet in Yellow spins in as he laughs, "Are you, my dear lady, going to mourn any villagers who die of our dear red disease?"

    Squeezing her hands tightly, "If they are forgotten dead because of sickness. Then I will."

    "Then the tears you shed for the poor forgotten souls will be penned for all of Vilhilrel! Rejoice, as not all newcomers receive such a privileged treatment."

    She huffs, "Tears that I may or may not shed can't be transcribed!"

    He waves her off, "Sorry, all who know of Vilhilrel are subjects for my poetry."

    Horrified by the Poet in Yellow's callous behavior towards her, the Mourner flees from the apple orchard. His taunting laugh chases her.

A Mourner's Tears

Your tears are precious.

Let yourself drown in your red sorrow,

Allow the red illness to take you and your village,

And trap you all in the city of Vilhilrel. END.

If you're not already, please join my Patreon, as that allows me to keep doing what I love.

Black Lace Dress

     Happy Halloween! It's time for the October blog update, and this will be a short but fun one. If you want to support me and my blog, become a patron. Also, purchase my poetry book, "Living Day by Day: A Collection of Poems."

    In the late evening, Minnie puts on her black lace dress and bright red heels to go out in town. None knew what she was up to, but she always returned pristine without a hair out of place. The chill of the night should have caused Minnie to grab a coat, but Minnie's never cold. Her flesh was usually like ice on a night like that, but Minnie is as hot as a furnace when she comes home. If you ever encounter Minnie while she's out on the town, never let yourself get caught in her red-painted claws. No one knows why, but death is always close to those who cross Minnie on such nights. It's not worth praying or hiding if you're caught; Minnie is relentless, and she'll get what she wants. How she goes about her gruesome pleasures is anyone's guess, but leave such curiosities for another evening. An early death isn't worth trying to figure out, Minnie while she wears her black lace dress. END.

Blog Update: October

 Hello, everyone,

For this October, I'll be posting on Halloween! I've been focused on class and want patrons to have at least a week before it's posted on my blog. I hope you've been having fun this October, and see you on Halloween!

A Gift From Auntie?

    On a late afternoon, the doorbell rings, and outside lays a present. It'll be Jessie's fourteenth birthday tomorrow. So, no one was surprised. Taking the gift from their mother, Jessie heads towards their room. Sitting atop their bed, Jessie plucks the birthday card off their present. Opening the card, Jessie read it aloud.

"Happy Birthday, Jessie! I know it's been years since I've seen you. It's unlikely I'll ever see you again, but I wanted to send you one last gift. Enjoy!"

Putting the strange card aside, Jessie opens their gift. Inside lies a book full of annotated sticky notes. END.

    Sorry for the late update; I've been dealing with writer's block and haven't been inspired to write. If you want to support my writing, go to my Patreon and buy my poetry book.

Fake Novel Review

 It's another third Saturday, and time for a blog update. To support my writing, join my Patreon and buy my poetry book. Remember that everything in purple is a link.

    "I Was a Mother of Three!" is a solid afternoon read. The cozy mystery is standard for the genre. The story's chapter titles and the names of places are inspired by B-movie horror titles. Outside of the fun naming device, the killer isn't bland. He's an obsessive ex-lover. Janis is a likable protagonist and doesn't take herself too seriously. She's a single 40-year-old with an active sex life which is a bonus. Overall, the story is engaging, the killer is scary, and the protagonist is fun. I give this paperback 3/5 stars and recommend reading it during a lazy day. END.

Body and Mind

    How has your summer been? Mine has been busy and will continue to be so for some time. If you're interested in helping financially, join my Patreon and buy my poetry book. I post every third Saturday here and regularly on patreon.

    Inside a seatless canoe, lazily drifting atop the unending dark waters, I dream of myself. Fading into the endless night, I forget my old memories. My mind and body separate. As my mind watches my body float away, I cannot find fear within myself. This state of being was going to transpire. A sense of apathy strangles my mind. That I was only flesh, blood, and bone existing without actualization, and while I mourn my passing body as it goes into the unknown, my mind will remain. Who I was, the core of me shall join into the turbulent sea. END.

Inside a White Oval

I just finished my finals! I'm so tired, but I'm overall doing well at university. If you want to support this broke university student, become a Patreon or buy my poetry book.

    I'm stuck within an oval of white. The walls are silky in texture, and when I pressed my hand against the wall. The wall bows outward but refuses to break. At least the ivory wall hasn't collapsed yet; I wonder if I'll have to break out. Maybe so, but the glossy white wall appears sturdy enough. Although, I don't know if I want to burst out. In this cage of white, I believe myself to be safe, but for how long, I will never know. Tap, tap, tap, someone or something poking at the silky white wall. TAP, TAP, POP! END.

Patreon Request 31: Polaroid Photobomb

    The yellowing photo album is bursting with old pictures of your mom. The current section you're pursuing is during her preteen years. You recognize the photos filled with old stories told through your childhood. Your mother stands happily in her mid-September school uniform. But, behind her stood something. Despite being in focus, the figure is unnaturally blurry—the face of the other preteen smiles at you. The unknown person's eyes are nothing more than shadows. When the figure waves at you, you drop the album. Quickly picking up the album again, you look for the stranger beside your mom. They're gone. END.

If you want to support my writing, consider joining my Patreon or buying my poetry book, "Living Day by Day: A Collection of Poems." I update regularly on patreon and once a month on Blogger.

Patreon Request 30: Deja Vu on the California State Route 1

Sorry, I forgot to post last Saturday! I've been with personal stuff, nothing bad, and I didn't prepare the post beforehand like usual. But if you would like to read my works first and read frequent updates, join my Patreon.

    It was night when my sister and I were returning home. It had to be after ten as the freeway was empty on the weekday. Classes ended early, and we considered visiting our grandmother's grave. It took a quick call to our parents to let them know our plans, and we were off. We visited the grave for around two hours before getting lunch and walking around the coastal city. The salty cold scent of the ocean engulfed the town, but it wasn't too bad after getting used to it. My sister always hated how far our grandmother was buried. It made visiting her hard to do with our busy schedules. But visiting the dead is for the living, so she likely didn't mind. We stayed longer than we wanted in the city. Still, given the traffic and California's lack of reliable public transport, we used my sister's car. It was her turn to drive this time, as we always carpooled. 

    The bleak black of the ocean was unsettling at this time of day. The daylight usually made the water less frightening, but it is an endless abyss with no end at night. At any moment, it'll take one wrong turn of the driving wheel to plunge the car into the water depths. I wonder why I thought this, but my sister seemed to drive faster than expected. And she never liked to do so at night. I would brush it off as it all being in my head, but she admitted to driving faster when I asked. We didn't need to rush home, so what was chasing us? This wasn't the first time we visited our grandmother by ourselves. But a memory keeps returning to me, and it's not good either. It's of watery darkness and deafening screams. But that was the uneasiness getting to me as the road blindly passed by.

    "How much longer will it take to get us home?" I asked.

    My sister shrugs a shoulder, "Probably, forty to fifty minutes. We made good time."

    We sat silently as the smell of long-gone hot chocolate filled the car. Neither of us breathed deeply as if trying to ensure the air in the car lasted. But why do we feel the need to do that? We'll be home soon. The hum of the car is the only sound between us, and I feel my hand inch its way to my sister. I couldn't bring myself to call our parents because somehow I knew they wouldn't answer. Maybe because this isn't the first time I've tried calling them? I turned my head toward my sister, and I saw her crying. It was then I realized I was crying too. I faced forward again.

    "LOOK OUT!!!" END.

Through a Game of Croquet, Cheshire Cat Finds Diana

     "Di...Dia...na"

    "An...Ana..."

    "D...Di...Dia...Dian...D!"

Hiding In Sight

Disappear, disappear, my feet and legs.

Go away, go away, hands and arms.

Ebb away, ebb away, from my shoulders to my hips.

Cut away my neck and remove my head,

I don't want to see myself again.

Remove me from sight; I can't face anyone.

Yet, I hear Time calling not to disappear.

    Finally, Cheshire Cat hears, "DIANA!" from Time's lips.

Reawakening to Time

Beloved Chronos calls me to wake.

As I've sunk into hades, where Time must wait.

Guide me through hades, beloved, say my name.

Lead me towards the afternoon light.

From a space without time to Time at a place,

I depart from a place devoid of heat.

To your warm body and loving arms,

Once again, I wake from the underworld.

    The afternoon light blinds Cheshire Cat for a moment before her vision clears. Then, after blinking her purple lashes to adjust her eyes quickly, she realizes she's surrounded by Hatter's tea party guests. Time engulfs her in his loving embrace as he apologizes for not realizing Cheshire's dilemma.

    "I'm so sorry, love," Time's whisper is damp with tears, "I've been blinded by the past and future you."

    Before Time can continue apologizing, Alice shoves him out of the way to bear-hug Cheshire herself. A loud cry leaves Alice's throat as she squeezes her best friend.

    Alice's weak voice asks, "How are you feeling?"

    March Hare, Dormouse, and Hatter quietly clean up the garden tea party. While No One helps their brother up after Alice plowed through Time. It seems the afternoon tea party had sadly died.

    "How long have I been gone?" Cheshire's fluffy ears press down as her tail nervously curls in on itself.

    Hatter comes closer after he helped clean the garden table, "You disappeared for twenty-five minutes after afternoon tea time."

    Retaking hold of Cheshire, Alice demands, "Cheshire, how are you feeling?"

    "I'm...I'm not alright," a hard sniff leaves Cheshire, "I'm depressed, and I have been for a while."

    With her admittance finally in the light, Cheshire feels lighter. Her troubles have dragged her down for ages, for secrets are too valuable in the Kingdom of Hearts. Asking for help appeared impossible to Cheshire Cat. It was better to just fade in and out of reality until she eventually disappeared. But disappearing isn't an option, not just because it'll hurt her loved ones but also invalidate Cheshire's love for herself. Cheshire is shocked out of her musings when Alice embraces her again.

    "There's no need for you to keep such a secret any longer," Alice gets elbowed out of the way by Time.

    Now in her lover's arms once more, Time repeats his earlier apologies for his failure to notice Cheshire's depression. In a soft voice, Cheshire reassures Time that she'll be alright and that now that he's aware of the present, he'll better help her this time. Hatter and No One join in on hugging Cheshire.

    "Don't think Time is the only one who'll look out for you!" No One playfully pinches Time's side, "I'll be there too when you want no one around."

    "I won't be as annoying, but you can count on me too to be there for you, Cheshire," Hatter tips his top hat in reassurance.

    Feeling overwhelmed, Cheshire asks, "Can I have a cup of Red Rose tea?"

    "But of course, my friend," Hatter jesters back to the picnic table, "Alright, everyone, late afternoon tea time is back in schedule. No One, how are you already munching on the macarons? Whatever, Alice, Time, Cheshire, back to the table."

    Hatter ushers the three back to where the tea party began. Taking her seat between Alice and Time, Cheshire watches as Doormouse sleepily eats cheese and March Hare stacks sugar cubes into a pyramid. Hatter makes Cheshire's cup of Red Rose tea to her taste and places the requested tea in front of her. Cheshire takes a whiff of the tea's aroma before taking a sip. Her nerves soothe as No One babbles about their recent visit to the Kingdom of Diamonds. Her ears slowly rise from being pressed against her head. Fully perked up, Cheshire's ears twitch from time to time as No One goes on about how they and the King of Diamond went about their game of tag. Then, taking a deep drag of tea, a poem blossoms into Cheshire's head.

Red Rose Tea

A warmth of red spreads

Through a rose unfroze

A cup of tea whose bottom I can see.

    Emptying her cup of tea, Cheshire hears music playing from a gramophone. Paying attention to her surroundings, she sees March Hare and Dormouse setting up chairs in a circle. Doormouse counts the chairs as March Hare runs around the circle and sits down when the music stops. March Hare then stands up from the chair he sits in. With everything ready for a game of musical chairs, Doormouse and March Hare loop in No One and Hatter into playing the next round with them. Another two rounds go by, but not a single player is out on their game of musical chairs. There are so many chairs that ten more players could be added to the game of musical chairs with seats to spare. With a joyous laugh, Cheshire and Alice join in on the ridiculous fun. Around and around they go until the music suddenly stops, and the players rush to find a free spot. Feeling the weight of Time's eyes upon her, Cheshire grabs his hand and pulls on Time to join in on the next round of musical chairs. The game of musical chairs finally unraveled when the gramophone didn't continue the music again. Everyone is out of breath, and Hatter calls an end to their garden party.

    No One drags Doormouse and March Hare to visit the White Rabbit's house. Hatter assists his servants in cleaning up the chaotic mess left by his garden tea party. Time stays behind with Hatter to help, so Cheshire and Alice say their goodbyes. Alice insists that she walks Cheshire home, and Cheshire relents as she doesn't want to be alone. The two women walk to the Duke and Duchess of Hearts manor. They carry on in silence for some time before Alice asks a riddle.

    "You greet me when you're soporific as the birds chirp loudly under the soft sunlight," Alice finishes with a twirl of her fingers.

    Cheshire slows down and thinks for a minute before answering, "You're the morning."

    Cheshire stops moving forward as she gazes into the chessboard pattern floor. The repeating black and white squares soothe her as she allows herself to get lost in the predictable pattern. Cheshire hears Alice pause in her stroll before turning around to stand beside Cheshire. Alice's warm hands take hold of Cheshire's shoulders as she lightly encourages Cheshire to look at her. Reluctantly, Cheshire looks Alice in the eye. Alice's concerned but welcoming brown eyes greet Cheshire.

    "How are you feeling?" Alice bites the corner of her lip, "Would you instead go to my home rather than the Duke's and Duchess's?"

    Cheshire's tail anxiously twitches, "I don't know if I'm okay, and it may take some time for me to be alright. As for going home, it's been days since I've been back at the Duchess's manor. I must show my face."

    Alice sighs, "If you feel that you must, then let's go."

    Cheshire takes hold of Alice's hand as they continue their journey to the Duke and Duchess's manor. Only by holding Alice's hand can Cheshire keep from fading out of existence as her home draws near.

A Pair of Wenches

Dearest friend, you and I are quite a pair. 

Curiosity and mischief skipping about, 

Playing games in a mad world, maddening it further, my dearest friend. 

Through your curiosity, you found a way to reach me, 

Your left to my right, and I'm grateful. 

Oh, what a pair of backward hands we are. 

A wonder are we, mischievously mad and curious of madness. 

We're Wonderland's favorite wenches, beloved friend.

    Now only a skip and a hop away from the Duke and Duchess's manor, Cheshire lets go of Alice's hand. With a strained smile, she waves goodbye to Alice before heading inside. But rather than leaving, Alice takes the lead into the manor. Alice confidently marches to the front door and stuns Cheshire. Unfreezing from her frozen state, Cheshire catches up to Alice, who enters the mansion. Once inside, Cheshire spots the Duchess barrelling towards Alice and Cheshire. The aggressive clicks of the Duchess's heels thunder off the walls. Her clothing reveals that the Duchess is likely hosting guests tonight and isn't expecting Cheshire to return home, especially not with someone accompanying Cheshire. The Duchess huffs loudly as she halts before Alice and Cheshire. The Duchess glares at the supposed invaders. Her heels stab into the wood flooring as she crosses her arms under her breast.

    With an overly friendly smile, Alice says, "Hello, Duchess; it has four riddles and raven's time since I've last seen you."

    "How do you do," the Duchess barely withholds her scoff, "And why have you come to visit my manor unannounced?"

    Alice's smile sharpens, "Why? I'm here to have a sleepover with Cheshire before the croquet game at Hearts Palace."

    The Duchess narrows her eyes and frowns. There isn't a proper reason, outside of rudeness, to forbid Alice from staying. Her eyes dart to Cheshire, and her smile turns cruel. With the Duchess's attention on Cheshire, she feels parts of herself disappear. This always happens when Cheshire returns home; it'd be better if she just vanishes. Cheshire's tail stiffly curls in her nervous state.

    "And where have you been these last few days?" the Duchess's harsh glare causes Cheshire's ears to pin back.

    Cheshire opens her mouth to answer, but Alice interrupts, "Our journey was quite long, and I'm feeling peckish. Do you have the right amount of tea and cookies for my starving self, Cheshire?"

    Quickly catching on, Cheshire answers, "We most certainly do this way, Alice!"

    Taking Alice's arm, Cheshire leads her friend away from the Duchess to the farthest tea room. This way, neither the Duke nor Duchess will bother to disturb them. The Duchess screeches Cheshire's name serval times, but her hollering is nothing new to Cheshire. Cheshire withstood the Duchess's unpleasant words before she could do again. Following the burgundy-painted hallways, Cheshire Cat leads Alice down, down, and down to a distant tea room. Catching the eye of a passing-by maid, Cheshire pauses her march. Alice's nose squishes into Cheshire's mass of purple curls. Alice squeaks in embarrassment as Cheshire's ears flick in bemusement. Once the two women rearrange themselves, Cheshire addresses the maid.

    "Could you please prepare black tea and cookies for the eastern tea room?" Cheshire says.

The maid curtsy, "Of course, Miss Cheshire Cat. Is there anything else I can do for you, or is that all?"

    "Also, prepare toiletries, towels, sleepwear, and an extra cot with a pillow and blankets for Alice. She'll be sleeping in my room."

    "Understood"

    "Thank you," Cheshire and Alice watch as the maid trots off.

    Cheshire continues to lead Alice to the eastern tea room at a less hurried pace. The two women play a rhyming game to pass the time as they walk. As the game goes on, Cheshire feels more comfortable within the walls of the Duke and Duchess manor. It's been years since that happened, around the time of the first Duke of Hearts. At that time, the Duchess didn't despise her. Cheshire was nothing more than an abandoned kitten, the first Duke of Hearts loved as a daughter. The second Duke of Hearts is another story. He's young, handsome, charming, and only a few years older than Cheshire. Maids can be fired, and other noble women can have their reputations ruined for challenging the Duchess, but Cheshire is different. Cheshire is a recognized member of the Duchy of Hearts main family. Only the King or Queen of Hearts can remove Cheshire, as was the will of the first Duke of Hearts that the Duchess agreed to. And the second Duke of Hearts had no problem informing the Duchess that if Cheshire was romantically available, he'd pursue her. Affairs are the norm in nobility, but Cheshire wishes the Duchess's ire isn't directed at her.

    Cheshire stops thinking about her relationship with the Duchess once she and Alice arrive at the tea room. Entering the room, Alice and Cheshire get comfortable as they wait for their tea and cookies to be delivered. The eastern tea room is Cheshire's favorite as neither the Duke nor Duchess bothers to make their way here. The cozy shades of pinks, browns, and creams leave anyone feeling at home. And peering at Alice's face, Cheshire concludes that Alice feels the same way. Cheshire faces Alice and thanks her for confronting the Duchess. Cheshire tries to apologize for not doing so herself, but Alice brushes off Cheshire's apologies. Alice reassures Cheshire that she would do it again even if the Duchess had a vorpal blade to her neck. Cheshire's cheeks warm, and her eyes glisten from Alice's confession. And feeling that words are no longer needed, Cheshire further relaxes into her seat. The same maid from earlier enters the eastern tea room and serves Alice and Cheshire the requested refreshments. The maid then departs after Cheshire and Alice give her their thanks.

    Once Alice finishes her second cookie, she confronts Cheshire, "How long have you been dealing with your depression, Cheshire?"

    Cheshire's eyes wander away from Alice as she recites a poem aloud,

Too Small a Room

A joyless room deprived of height, width, and length. 

Little light and air. 

The single sound of a heart in a frenzy. 

Devoid of doors and too small a window. 

Too little air, too little air. 

Unable to move, too big in this room, 

A room that no one can fit in, 

Willing.

    And as Cheshire recites her poem, parts of her body fade in and out of reality. Spiraling out of control has become a normal state of being for Cheshire. Even when she finishes, Cheshire hyperventilates as more of herself detaches from the world around her. Alice quickly goes to Cheshire's side and takes hold of her hand. With Alice's quiet and steady encouragement, Cheshire calms down and stabilizes her form. With a shaky hand, Cheshire manages to drink from her lukewarm tea. The two women sit side-by-side in silence for a minute or so. The clock in the eastern tea room chimes as time passes.

    "Cheshire," Alice hesitates, "Is the Duke and Duchess causing you this stress?"

    Cheshire lets out a long and tired sigh, "Yes, and it's been getting worse, as you can see."

    Cheshire's nerves get the best of her, and she stands up from the table. Needing to get the nervous energy out of her system, Cheshire paces around the tea room. Her ears flick every time she feels a spike of agitation, and her tail thumps against her leg in the rhythm of her steps. It's easy for Cheshire to sink into this twitchy pattern of madness. If the Duchess of Hearts prefers to scream her frustration out, Cheshire needs to pace about. She can not stay still when nervous energy takes over her mind and body. On her third lap around the room, Cheshire realizes Alice's eyes are on her. Not wanting Alice to worry too much about her mental state, Cheshire flashes a worn mischievous smile at Alice. By her seventh lap, Cheshire is struck by an idea. She stops midstep and turns toward Alice, who is stacking the uneaten cookies into a tower.

    Cheshire shouts, "Alice!"

    The cookie tower crumbles, and Alice whips her head towards Cheshire, "What?"

    "I know how to escape the Duke and Duchess's control," Cheshire's smile splits her face, "They need to be willing to allow me to permanently leave the Duchy of Hearts. Of course, once they willed it, I'll leave."

    "But are they willing, Cheshire," Alice thinks about how the Duchess doesn't seem to want to lose control of Cheshire, and she doesn't understand why.

    "No, the Duke and Duchess aren't willing," Cheshire's ears flatten, "And I've asked many times before."

Alice asks, "Why hasn't the Duchess let you go, Cheshire?"

    Cheshire shifts from side to side, "The Duke's eyes and hands tend to wander, and the Duchess likes an easy target. It doesn't help that the Duke looks at me with clear interest even though I'm not interested nor comfortable with his gaze."

    Alice curses under her breath, "Does Time know about your situation?"

    Cheshire twists her hands together, "I haven't gotten around to revealing that tiny detail with him. I just don't want him to worry."

    Alice stands up and gives Cheshire a stern look, "Cheshire, Time can't help you if he doesn't know what's going on with you!"

    Cheshire flinches, and Alice softens, "If you're worried about telling Time about your troubles by yourself, I'll be there with you. I don't need to say anything, either."

    Cheshire feels tears commute to the rims of her eyes. Then, with a relieved sniff, she hugs Alice tightly and nods in agreement. The hug lasts for a long second before Cheshire lets go.

    "I think I'll be retiring early, Alice," Cheshire stands to make her way to the door.

    "Don't worry, Cheshire Cat, I'll be awake for a while longer, so go rest. As for the Duke and Duchess...they won't be disturbing you," Alice's smile has a wicked curve to it.

    Cheshire's fluffy purple tail bats at Alice's face before she quickly skips to the door. The last sound Cheshire hears from the tea room is Alice making dramatic complaints about cat hair up her nose. It doesn't take Cheshire long to reach her room, and she's safely inside in a blink of an eye. Stripping out of her day clothes, Cheshire grabs her cozy pajamas and socks before entering the bathroom to go about her nightly routine. With the stress of the day scrubbed and lotioned away, Cheshire climbs into bed after tucking her hair away in her bonnet. Her ears easily pop out of the two holes cut out for them. Now entirely comfortable, Cheshire's mind slowly drifts away as sleep guides her from the land of the awake. Her ear twitches as the quiet sigh of a door opening arouses Cheshire from slumber. She tries to get up, but Alice murmurs for Cheshire to go back to sleep. Knowing Alice will be fine in her room, Cheshire follows the advice and returns to blissful nothingness.

    The midmorning sun sneaks into Cheshire's room and awakes the occupants from their dreams. Alice goes to shower and dress while Cheshire calls for a maid to bring brunch to her room. When Alice is finished, Cheshire goes about her morning business and ends when the maid arrives with food. Thanking the maid, the two women start making their plates as the morning birds sing their silly songs of the day.

    But before the maid leaves, Alice asks, "Are the Duke and Duchess still at the estate?"

    "No, Miss Alice. The Lord and Lady have departed and went shopping for the upcoming croquet game at Hearts Palace," the maid says.

    Cheshire smiles, "Thank you for informing us about the Duke and Duchess's whereabouts. You may go."

    The maid quickly bows and exits the room, making sure to close the door behind her.

    Alice takes a bite out of her porridge before asking, "Since it's quite lovely outside, should we go out to the shops as well? It's been some time since I've bought some new clothes from the local tailors, and the upcoming croquet game is a good excuse."

    "That would be more fun than lazing about here," Cheshire bites into her toasted and jammed English muffin, "In fact, this croquet game may even be used to escape the Duke and Duchess!"

    Alice looks bewildered, "How?"

    Cheshire's face splits into a wide grin, "I'll challenge them in front of the Queen of Hearts at the start of the croquet game. But, of course, they'll have to accept my conditions if she approves the match."

    "Why would either of them accept or go along with it?" Alice tilts her head in confusion.

    Cheshire huffs a laugh, " The Duke's and especially the Duchess's noble pride would never allow them to forgo a direct challenge. And if I challenge them before the Queen, ignoring me is impossible."

    Alice hums as she thinks about what Cheshire said, but it's clear that she still has some doubts.

    "To keep it simple, the bet will only require that I score one point more than either the Duke or Duchess. If I win, I'll demand they forfeit their guardianship of me," Cheshire's thumb pets the side of her teacup.

    Alice's brow furrows as she frowns, "But what about Duke and Duchess. They'll undoubtedly request something else from you if you lose the bet, Cheshire."

    Cheshire's smile is cold and lonely, "It'll be up to the winner of the wager to decide the prize. Only the Duke, Duchess, and I can determine the prize, Alice."

    Alice drums her painted fingers upon the table. What is on her mind doesn't prevent Cheshire from chowing down on her eggs and bacon. Cheshire is slathering jam upon another toasted English muffin when Alice slams her hands atop the table. In her jump of shock, Cheshire's knife leaps out of her hand and crashes onto her plate below. 

    With wild eyes and a playful grin, Alice announces her thoughts, "Allowing Time and I to participate in the wager! That way, it's a two versus two match. You don't have to face the Duke and Duchess alone!"

    "No, that won't work," Cheshire watches Alice's face deteriorate from its excited frenzy, "You and Time are outsiders. If my guardianship is on the line and one of you wins, it'll transfer to you."

    "But, can't Time or I simply forfeit our claim?" Alice pleads.

    Cheshire solemnly shakes her head, "The law of Hearts' Country won't allow it. I've checked."

    With forced resignation, Alice goes back to eating her breakfast. Only Cheshire can break the hold the Duke and Duchess have on her. And as much as Cheshire loves Time and Alice, letting anyone but herself hold guardianship is not an option. The two women eat in comfortable silence for a while. But it isn't long before Alice prattles about the day's plan. Cheshire joins in, and the two start to arrange the dishware to make it easier to clean. Once finished, Cheshire calls to the kitchen to have a maid come pick up the dirty dishes. Alice is already putting on her shoes when Cheshire turns around. Not wanting to delay, Cheshire gets her boots and a light coat for their day. They're out of Cheshire's bedroom and out the front of the estate in no time. Thankfully, without a peek from either the Duke or Duchess.

While skipping about in Chessboard City, Alice, and Cheshire stop by Mad Hatter's Hat Shoppe. Once inside, Cheshire catches the eye of an assistant to get some help. It starts off simply by picking out nine tilt hats. But finding none to their liking, Alice points to seven tricorn hats for them to try on. However, Cheshire finds the hats too typical a choice and chooses four cartwheel hats instead. Neither Cheshire nor Alice could resist putting on a top hat each in honor of Hatter. And Alice couldn't resist having them try eleven bicorn hats. After the poor assistant gathers each hat that catches their fancy, the two women finally decide on headgear, they'll like to wear for tomorrow's croquet game. Each hat is carefully wrapped and placed inside a hat box. Alice pays first with three bottles of 'Drink Me' potions and mushroom corner as a tip. Taking her purchase out of the way, Alice moves aside for Cheshire to pay. For her payment, Cheshire writes down two secrets and pocket watch for a tip. With one last final thanks to the assistant, Alice, and Cheshire leave Mad Hatter's Hat Shoppe with their new required hats.

Moving on to the Merry-Go-Round Dress Shoppe, Alice and Cheshire spend the next two hours getting fitted for their new gowns. The bright blue with white accents pops against Alice's dark brown skin. Because Hearts Palace is predominantly red, white, and black, Alice in blue will stick out. Cheshire chooses a dress in mourning purple. The rich color compliments Cheshire's brown skin but contrasts her loud purple hair. Making her appearance off in a way that someone can't put their finger on; it's perfect for Wonderland. Alice and Cheshire enjoy the rest of their day with their therapeutic shopping out of the way. By late evening, Cheshire returns to the Duchy of Hearts.

    Dinner is a tense affair, as the Duke and Duchess know something is happening with Cheshire. Cheshire's grin is smaller than usual, and her ears and tail are stiff. Her eyes obscure a revelation that the Duke and Duchess missed. The Duke, for his part, is charmed by Cheshire's mischievous machinations that lead to whimsy in his dull playboy life. The Duchess is more reserved. As the family eats, the dining room is quiet. Not even the clocks make a sound as forks, spoons, and knives dance about from plate to plate. This gathering for a meal is Cheshire's most peaceful dinner this year with the Duke and Duchess. But for Cheshire, this is only a moment of peace before tomorrow's storm of flamingos and hedgehogs. With her tummy full, Cheshire excuses herself from the table and heads off to bed early. She doesn't wait for the Duchess's disingenuous pleasantries or the Duke's flirtations. Once safely in her room, Cheshire gets ready for bed to dream about winning a game of croquet.

    Inside Cheshire's subconscious, she finds herself atop a checkerboard stage. Singing a song without rhyme or reason before a trumpet and drum start playing. Without her permission, her body begins to move in a marching stance. At the ready, Cheshire marches to the beat of the drum. The trumpet hollers directions that Cheshire is forced to follow. Despite her efforts to break free, Cheshire can only march along to the drum's beat. A smile of panic and fear twists Cheshire's face as tears flood the stage. Although it's getting harder for her to march across the stage, Cheshire cannot stop. She sobs her heart out, but the trumpet simply replies with another direction to march in. The drums don't stutter in their insistent tempo, and neither can Cheshire. On and on this nightmare goes until the song of a coo-coo clock disrupts the dream. Taking advantage of the distracted trumpet and drum, Cheshire leaps off the stage and runs out of the dream.

    Sitting up violently, Cheshire is greeted by a glare from the window. A ray of morning light is peaking through her curtains. With a huff of annoyance, she fixes her bonnet and gets out of bed to go about her morning routine. While styling her kinky curls to the proper level of madness, Cheshire calls the kitchen to ready her breakfast. Once finished with her hair, Cheshire changes from her nightgown to her undergarments. Putting on her makeup, Cheshire picks out her jewelry. Hearing a knock on her bedroom door, a maid carts in her breakfast. Cheshire calls out to set her meal out on the balcony. Finishing her makeup, Cheshire puts on a robe and slippers to eat breakfast on the terrace. Her filling meal pairs lovely with the warm moist morning air of Wonderland. After having a pleasant conversation about griffins being half-hearted kings of the birds with a Bluebird, Cheshire returns inside. Putting on her newly purchased gown and hat, Cheshire accessorizes with black mourning jewelry. Lastly, Cheshire ties the ribbons lacing her black boots into perfect bows. Unable to stall any longer, Cheshire leaves her saferoom to meet the Duke and Duchess at the front of the estate.

    The trio quietly leave the foyer of their home and enter the carriage waiting for them. Taking in the Duke and Duchess's appearance, Cheshire notes that they look like matching ornaments covered in gold. Cheshire is clearly the odd one out of the three. Choosing to ignore the Duke and Duchess, Cheshire gazes out the window, willing for Hearts Palace to appear before the carriage. Unfortunately, the closer the carriage gets to Hearts Palace, the more crowded it becomes. It's then that Cheshire spots Time's carriage up ahead. A tiny smile graces Cheshire's painted lips, knowing that someone she trusts isn't too far away. When the carriage finally stops to allow them outside, Cheshire bolts out the door leaving behind the carriage footmen, Duke, and Duchess. On her mission to find Time and likely Alice, Cheshire starts thinking about a poem.

Croquet Etiquette

A proper Wonderlandian game of croquet starts with 

Flamingos as the best choice for a mallet, and a hedgehog as the standard ball. 

Cards numbered 10, and lower are the hoops. 

If the King or Queen is playing, then, naturally, they will always win. 

Any good subject shall applause and lose graciously. 

But if the game of croquet is without a royal card, 

then all a player needs to do is score one point from a hoop that is a card. 

If a player manages that, then that is a proper Wonderlandian game of croquet.

    After the poem is done, Cheshire spots Time and Alice under an umbrageous tree. Like Alice hoped, she stands out in a sea of heart-red clothes. Giving Time an appreciative look over, Cheshire concludes he looks dashing. His cool-tone grey-blue summer suit and matching boater allow Time to stand out in the crowd and be comfortable while spectating the game. Cheshire gives Alice a quick hug and whispers good luck inside her ear before going to stand by Time. Time wraps his arm around Cheshire and leans down to give her a peck on the lip. Cheshire's ears perk up as none of her lipstick transfers to Time's. The shade wouldn't match his suit after all. The small group settles in, waiting for the Queen of Hearts croquet game to start. They must be pretty early, as the game has yet to start, and noon will be here soon. Cheshire is barely stopped from causing mischief when Hatter, Dormouse, and March Hare join them under the umbrageous tree.

    Hellos get passed around the group as the added trio relaxes and participates in the waiting game. It's then that Dormouse realizes that No One isn't near.

    Looking to Time, Dormouse asks, "Where's your sibling? I doubt No One would miss a chance to play croquet?"

    Time scoffs, "You're right; Crow is keeping No One busy."

    Dormouse snickers, "It's probably for the best that No One isn't here. Didn't No One get banned from Hearts Palace because of the madness they caused during the Unbirthday Croquet Game?"

    Reminiscing about that day, Cheshire remembers that No One got bored playing croquet and started using the flamingos as fencing foils. It wasn't long before No One had every guest dueling inside the garden ruining the unbirthday party, according to the King and Queen of Hearts. A familiar sigh causes Cheshire's ears to twitch toward the sound. Turning her head to Time, Cheshire sees Time rubbing his eyes. Her unfortunate lover is likely reliving that moment. Time can never fully control when he slips into previously lived moments and moments yet to come. Alice snickers at Time's expense because reliving moments always causes the funniest reactions out of him. But before Time reveals a moment that everyone no longer remembers clearly, the royal trumpets announce the King and Queen of Hearts. Everyone rushes forward to bow and curtsy to their majesties. The King tells everyone to rise, and the bones of the older guests groan in thanks.

    Cheshire scans around for the Duke and Duchess. Spotting them near the Queen, Cheshire departs from her friend group and makes her way to them. Once she's close enough for neither could politely ignore, Cheshire loudly clears her throat.

    "I propose a wager of my guardianship," Cheshire takes a deep breath, "If I manage to get one point more than either of you during this croquet match, you'll both forfeit your claim on me."

    The Duchess scowls as she overhears the other noble whispering behind her and the Duke. Cheshire's smile turns sinister as there's nothing more damaging to a noble's dignity than other gossiping noble.

    The Duke straining smile delights Cheshire, "I think we should agree, darling."

    The Duchess reluctantly agrees, "If the Queen is playing, I doubt any of us will manage to score a point. Are you willing to waste our time like that, Cheshire?"

    Cheshire doesn't get a chance to answer before the Queen of Hearts steps forward and shouts, "Neither the King nor I will be participating in this croquet game. All wagers made during these matches will be fulfilled without exception!"

    With an angry flush, the Duchess stomps away to pick out the flamingo she'll use. The Duke is right behind her after a quick glance at the Queen. With their backs turned away, Cheshire tightly hugs the Queen of Hearts and whispers her thanks. Cheshire lets her go, skips off before the Queen, and demands Cheshire's head be chopped off. Not wanting to deal with the silly words of gossiping nobles, she disappears out of sight and reappears beside Time and Alice. Time giggles at Alice, jumping in surprise at Cheshire's sudden appearance. Alice blows a raspberry at him. Time only rolls his eyes, and Cheshire freely laughs. Alice is about to start arguing with Time before Jack of Hearts calls for all participants to get their flamingos for the game. Alice quietly takes Cheshire's hand and leads them to where the flamingos are. Alice claims a chipper white flamingo with a goofy smile and a matching pale hedgehog. Cheshire seizes hold of a black flamingo with a dour face and a prickly dark hedgehog to match.

    Cheshire leads the way over to the Duke and Duchess with their mallets and balls in hand. Having to perform proper etiquette, the four trade handshakes and pre-game exchange pleasantries. The Jack of Hearts sluggishly makes his way to the group. When he finally makes it to them, he deeply bows to the Duke and Duchess. Cheshire and Alice receive a less dramatic bow from Jack. The Duke snaps his fingers to force Jack to hurry with determining the order of croquet players.

    Jack loudly clears his throat, "Whoever answers this riddle correctly first or closest to the correct answer will be player one. Players two through four will be determined by who answered the fastest. Understood?"

    Cheshire, Alice, the Duchess, and Duke all nod in understanding.

    With an obnoxious sniff, Jack relays the riddle, "I'm a bouquet of love despite being dead."

    Alice squeals, "DEAD ROSES!"

    "Dried tulips!" the Duchess says a second after Alice.

    Cheshire says a hair after the Duchess, "Dried red roses!"

    "Dead red tulips!" the Duke rounds off the shouted answers.

    After hearing all the answers, Jack thinks over the order. Cheshire's tail sways back and forth as they wait for Jack to reveal the order. He claps his hands together when he finally makes his decision.

    "Alice will go first, followed by the Duchess, next will be Cheshire Cat, and lastly will be the Duke. May your game begin!" Jack skitters away to the next group.

    With the order set, Alice steps forward and places her pale hedgehog on the ground. The cards lazying about fold to attention, so they resemble proper hoops for croquet. Alice has a bright smile as she raises her white flamingo high over her head before swinging down to the hedgehog. The flaming's beak strikes true, and the hedgehog soars towards the cards, acting as hoops.

A Point to Win Croquet

Alice's pale hedgehog looks like it'll make it to a hoop and score- MISS! 

The three of hearts stand up and leave the field. 

Cheshire takes the swing, and the hedgehog flies over all the cards. 

The Duchess's swing is too weak, and the hedgehog barely moves at all. 

The Duke takes a swing, and the hedgehog scores a point in another game. 

Over and over, madness goes on like a good Wonderland game. 

The black flamingo zips down to strike a dark hedgehog. 

Soaring through the grass, the hedgehog goes. 

And flies through the ten of hearts hoop, 

Winning the game.

    With Cheshire being the only player scoring a point, the match ends. Alice screams in excitement a tackles Cheshire with a hug. The Duke cooly smiles and applause Cheshire's win. He has to nudge the Duchess to congratulate Cheshire. The Duchess hardly manages to control her scowl as she says hollow words of praise. Cheshire takes the Duke and Duchess's recognition with the grace of a smug cat. Alice snickers behind her hand as she watches the Duchess bristle at Cheshire's returned playful attitude. The Duke signal over to the Queen of Hearts so that the Queen may reward Cheshire for her win. The Queen glides up to the party, and everyone bows before her.

    "And who won the wager," The Queen looks down her nose.

    Cheshire steps forward, "Tis I, your majesty."

    "As the winner of this match, I gift you this heart-shaped hat," the Queen hands Cheshire her prize, 

    "Now, as for the Duke and Duchess, you both need to relinquish your hold on Cheshire Cat."

    The Duke speaks first, "I resigned my guardianship over Cheshire Cat."

    The Duchess rolls her eyes but follows suit, "I abdicate my guardianship over Cheshire Cat."

    "By order of the Queen, which is me, I acknowledge the relinquishing of Cheshire Cat from the Duchy of Hearts. Henceforth, Cheshire Cat may do what she pleases without concern about misrepresenting the Duchy. Whether Cheshire Cat remains a noble will be up to her," the Queen takes a deep breath, 

    "Anyone who challenges this decision will find themselves jailed and executed!"

    With her business done, the Queen of Hearts departs with her entourage. Alice, Cheshire, the Duke, and Duchess salute the Queen as she walks away. They stand once more in awkward silence, and before anyone can say something, Time sneaks up behind Cheshire and hugs her tightly. Cheshire shouts in surprise, and Alice starts cheering about Cheshire's win. The Duchess couldn't stand having her loss rubbed in her face any longer and departs with a sneer. The Duke also spares Cheshire one last congratulation on her hard-won freedom before leaving. Cheshire only nobs her acceptance of the Duke's congratulation. With the Duke and Duchess gone, Cheshire breathes a sigh of relief.

    Cheshire laughs joyfully, "I'm dropping out of the croquet game."

    Time squeezes Cheshire's hand, and Alice smiles brightly.

    "Well, I'll be heading off to the next match then," Alice gathers her flamingo and hedgehog, "Be sure to cheer me on!"

    "Good luck, Alice!" Time and Cheshire shout after her.

    Time ushers Cheshire out of the way from the other croquet players. As they walk, Cheshire imagines another poem.

Stable Flame

Growing steady, the flame doesn't flicker. 

Time saw the flickering flame in the present. 

The curious girl notices what is wrong, 

Letting the flame become stable. 

Still weak, but a sigh can't snuff the flame out. 

While small, the flame has a chance to grow. 

Within a healthy environment, 

a flame can transform into a star. 

Besides the curious girl and Time, 

the flame will grow strong. 

Steadier and steadier, the flame will become. 

The threat of flickering out is gone. 

She's in a better place now.

    Time interrupts Cheshire's thoughts, "I'm sorry, Cheshire. I should have recognized the signs of depression."

    "It's alright," Cheshire runs her thumb across Time's knuckles, "I didn't ask for help. And even the great Chronos cannot find something he isn't looking for."

    Chronos sadly smiles, "But my gaze is always drawn to you, love, and yet I didn't see."

    "Your eyes are open to it now. That's all I want," Cheshire takes the lead when she spots an open table.

    Time quickly follows beside her, and they take their place among the crowd. The couple gets comfortable, and a maid comes by with refreshments. As Cheshire tastes the warm buttered bread rolls, 

Time takes a sip from the ice-cold lemonade. They watch the different games and clap at the appropriate times. Cheshire and Time settle in an easy silence and make snide comments about a couple of the games. And, of course, poor Bill gets hit every time a hedgehog goes flying. Time takes his eyes off a random croquet game and looks to Cheshire. Feeling her lover's focus on her again, Cheshire turns to Time.

    "Yes?" Cheshire raises an eyebrow.

    "If you're interested, you could live at my place," Time continues, "But if you already have plans or another place to stay, feel no obligation to me."

    Cheshire smiles lovingly at Time, "For a while, I've seen you as my home. So I'll like to stay with you."

    Time's clock-faced irises mist over as he leans over the table to kiss Cheshire. Cheshire blushes and kisses Time back. The moment of affection is brief as the couple separates to watch the game. Only a few contestants remain, and Alice is one of them.

    Time gets a distant look in his eyes, "Alice is going to win the croquet match."

    Cheshire stands up and offers her hand, "Would you like to stroll through Hearts Palace rose garden?"

    He takes it, "Lead the way."

    The couple leaves their seats and makes their way into the rose garden. The red of the flowers don't seem artificial this time. As they go through the rose garden, a poem comes to mind.

The Unknown Chapter

Forward through the rose color path, Time is waiting ahead. 

A Queen's heart is stitched together with the Hatter, 

Alice will win the game of croquet. 

No One is fooling around with Crow and a playful west wind. 

The White Rabbit is finally on time, with the King nowhere to be seen. 

A rosy path, a rosy path, 

Time races forward. 

Unknown to you, unbeknownst to me, you just inquire onward. 

For even Time has left the future to be left undiscovered.

    "We need to head back now if you want to see Alice win," says Time.

    "Race you there!" Cheshire sprints off.

    Time is right behind her as they race back to the croquet match. With a burst of speed, Time catches up to Cheshire and passes her. Cheshire shouts after him and pushes herself to go faster. From the corner of her eye, Cheshire spies Hatter and the Queen holding hands away from prying glances. Turning her gaze away, Cheshire looks forward and rushes to where Alice is. The couple makes it back and watches as Alice takes the final swing with her white flamingo. Her hedgehog shoots off the beak of the flamingo scores!

    "Alice won with three points! So she's the champion of this croquet game!" the White Rabbit hops up and down.

    The crowd goes wild with their cheers. Hats, bonnets, and flowers are thrown into the air. The shouts and songs are so loud that Cheshire can barely hear the King of Hearts congratulate Alice for her win. Once the King finishes his ceremonial praises, Cheshire skips up to Alice and gives her best friend a crushing hug. Then, Alice and Cheshire weave their way back to Time. As they go, the other invited guests pat Alice on the back as they congratulate her again. When Cheshire and Alice finally reach Time, Hatter is standing beside him. The Queen of Hearts draws everyone's eyes to her.

    "I declare the croquet game over! Now it's time for tea and dessert," the Queen leads the way inside the palace.

    Everyone follows the Queen's order, and the rest of the early evening is spent in a massive food fight.

Epilogue

    "Di...ana"

    "...an"

    "...iana"

    "Diana"

    Diana arouses from her nap after recognizing the voice calling her, "Chronos, is that you?"

    "Yes, love. We're almost to the Red and White Court," Chronos helps Diana fully sit up.

    After a couple of minutes, Diana peaks outside the carriage window. Her vision is greeted by a world of red and white. Only the sky is blue, and the plant life is green.

    Chronos lightly taps Diana's leg, "How was your nap?"

    "Restful," Diana smiles back at him.

    Right after she finishes answering Chronos, the carriage stops. The door opens, and Chronos takes Diana's hand and helps her out of the carriage. His hold on Diana's hand tightens as he leads her to a split white and red palace. Once they climb the alternating red and white steps, they stop before a fish footman. The fish footman's bulging eyes glaze over before opening the door.

    In a soggy voice, the footman shouts, "Here comes Duke Chronos of Wonderland and Lady Diana of Hearts!"

    The couple enters the palace's courtroom, usually the throneroom, and bows before the White King and Queen, then the Red King and Queen. Finally, the opposing Kings order Chronos and Diana to rise. The courtroom fills with impolite squeaks and groans as the jurors wiggle in their seats.

    The White Queen rudely coughs, "Lady Diana, do you wish to separate from the Duchy of Hearts?"

    "Yes, your majesty," Diana looks the White Queen in the eye.

    The Red Queen sniffs loudly, "Are you sure you want to become a Duchess of Wonderland?"

    Diana turns to the Red Queen, "I'm sure, your majesty."

    The White and Red Kings declare in unison, "Henceforth, Lady Diana is permanently separate from the Duchy of Hearts. And will be known throughout four suit kingdoms as Duchess Diana, Cheshire Cat of Wonderland!"

    Diana's eyes mist over as Chronos hugs and kiss her. The jurors, dressed in red and white, wildly celebrate Diana's new position. Exclamations of congratulations and tossing confetti add further excitement. The cheering gets out of hand, and a shoe flies through the air and hits the center of Bill's forehead. Bill the Lizard lays flat on his back because of the impact. To find whose shoe hit Bill, the pawns and rooks start squabbling. Their fighting causes even more chaos as several reptilian jurors to join the fight. Refusing to get involved, Diana and Chronos sprint out of the courtroom, laughing. One last poem comes to Diana's head as she holds Chronos's hand while running.

Rekindle Flame

With the embers tended to, the flame is renewed. 

With Time beside her and Alice as a guide, she rekindles herself. 

The fuel of desire burns on, and the flame refuses to flicker. 

She's playful, mischievous, and rekindled within. 

The flame is ablaze with life. 

Her heart is firm, her body is present, and she is facing forward. 

Her spark is renewed.

END.