“Who are you? why are you even doing this?” I yelled. Why did this go from a dream to a nightmare in a hares’ breath, pun intended. The bunnies were digging at the pen, then at the ground trying to dig a hole to escape. At least this strange man didn’t seem to notice; he might actually hurt them. He started laughing as if this was a fun little joke I wasn’t made aware of. Houdini stopped, stood tall and made eye contact with me. Wait- did he just look at Hatter and nod? Now looking at me, he sat back down on all fours and started digging fervently.
“Verdict first- then introductions,” The man let go of his teacup and saucer, they floated in the air is if there was no gravity to our situation. “Now choose. Pick the soothing comfort you crave or the truth that scars and burns. Both have a price. Both lead you deeper."
Hatter jerks in his chair violently trying to escape; he knows this is a trick in picking only one. He gets the vine over his mouth loose, "He’s bein’ cryptic on purpose!” Another bigger vine covered his face; you could hear what sounded like bones crunching.
Screw it, this is what logic of unlogic is- I HAVE to be right but either could be wrong. I grabbed the bottle of poison and bit the cork lid and pulled it out, inhaled deeply, and chugged the bottle. Why the hell does it taste like pineapples? I brace myself and nothing happens; maybe I did make the right choice? Looking around the forest, it starts glitching, shadows start leaking their colors like spilled ink. The fireflies look like they've been smeared into long streaks. That's weird, it smells like nostalgia, like childhood. It feels like it's gathering in my throat; like choking on guilt, why does this seem so familiar? Wait... I know this feeling well. This is regret over the wrong choice being made; my world is vibrating like ripples on water- never ending pain. I see the flicker of a silhouette like the one back on the beach, on a glass of wine. Glasses then start to pop and shatter on the tabletop; slowly they start pooling together once again. No, this can't be happening... A bright flash of light came from the forest.
I blink hard a few times; my throat is growing tighter. The vines withered from the light, freeing Hatter in the process. Hatter jumped across the table in a flash, grabbing a cake on his way. He took a big bite and put his hands softly on both sides of my face, "Sowwy!" He leans in and kisses me! Wait- no he's pushing one of those shards of crown into my mouth! Not only am I going to die from poison but literally have my throat ripped out too! A sharp sting slashes my tongue and I swallow. I start coughing and it feels like the grip around my throat is slowly being released. Hatter pulls back and I see his hat has fallen and rolled away; he seems unbothered by this- how odd. His hunter green eyes are crisp with worry; the desperation for a complete stranger is surprising.
A loud booming voice echoed throughout the area. The forest shook with animal sounds.
"Congratulations are in order and you must taste the wonderful consequences!" A glowing light appeared in the night sky, like a fairy orb come to get its due. The light burst into a million stars, and they filled the night sky back with their glorious purpose. Hatter with his hands still on me, turned my head. We had both looked to the other side of the table to watch her come into existence, but it was as if she had always been there. A beautiful sentient being appeared in a simple white gown with the warmest smile I've ever seen. “Oh no, did I miss the best part already?!” She pouted softly.
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