I find myself walking with my ex-husband and a young boy (my son, maybe, but I'm unable to determine which one) along a path towards a cottage. It is very warm and humid, and I see that all around me is thick tropical plants - plants with broad leaves that grow taller than us. I am also aware that there is a guide taking us to the cottage, but he is not very distinct.
Inside, the cottage is furnished simply but comfortably for us. My ex goes straight to the kitchen because he wants to start cooking something. I try to examine my feelings at being with him again, but cannot find anything within - I'm totally neutral. This is a situation that simply is and once it's done, we will part and go our separate ways.
Suddenly, I hear him yell, and I see that the stove is shooting out flames. I take a step towards him, but then decide to get out quickly. One more thing makes me hesitate; I try to remember where my purse is, since it contains all the money I have to my name. But even that isn't enough to make me go back and look for it. Barefoot and pennyless, I run out of the cottage, knowing that the boy is already safe, followed very quickly by my ex.
Once outside, I think again, with some regret, about my purse, as the smoke and flames billow out of the cottage, and remember that the bank guarantees funds under these circumstances. It's a fleeting thought, because right now I am faced with finding shelter, food and water for the night. My ex and the boy disappear from the setting and my consciousness.
I wander around and realize that I'm in a wild-life reserve. There is a complex of low, white buildings and penned compounds. I pass one and see a primate hand reach out for me. I turn and see a very strange sight - it's a hybrid of woman and primate, very elegantly furred in white and black. There are about half-dozen such creatures in that space, which is very large and comfortable. None of them look distressed, in fact, it is obvious that it's a real sisterhood, and they are setting their courtyard for what looks like a tea party. Some of them parade around with beautiful hats, much to the delight of their sisters. The one that has reached out for me manages to communicate that all willl be all right with me, and actually invites me to join her little group. I thank her warmly, and tell her I'll be back, once I have a good look around.
Now, I go into one of the builidngs and see an attendant in a white lab coat. I tell her what happened to the cottage, and she informs me that all is taken care of. The atmosphere is very calm, unhurried, but also focused and purposeful. I feel as though I would really enjoy being here for the rest of my life. I notice that the attendant is working with birds, and has just set a wing on a beautiful sunny-yellow bird that lies very compliently in her hands. As she lets it go, two other birds, jewel-toned blue and green, appear on either side of the wounded one, and some hold it up as all three fly back to the perch. After making sure that their yellow companion is okay, they all repeat this several times. I am told that this is the way all species here co-operate and work together.
Going outside again, I become aware of many such marvels, while slowly making my way around some dark brown crates. The sun is now setting, and I come to the decision that this is where I belong.
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