Goodie Dreamer's Arc

Chapter 13 of 13

Goodie lifted the round moon-shaped lantern high above the raft. Its soft glow spread across the water and lit a path through the dark. She whistled low, and a small otter popped up beside the raft, paws ready. "Guide us home," she said. The otter nudged the raft forward, and the lantern swung gently with each push. The raft slid up to a small wooden deck trimmed with bright ribbons. Guests stepped off onto firm ground, one by one. They squeezed Goodie's hands and thanked her with shining eyes. She watched them drift off into the clouds, their light strands glowing like tiny stars. When the last guest was gone, Goodie turned toward her cottage. The door stood wide open. A bright swirl of night wind poured through it, lifting ribbons and rattling cups inside. Her chest tightened. She had left her home unguarded. Goodie walked up the path and stepped through the doorway. The wind tugged at her sleeves, but she did not flinch. Inside, the journal lay open on the table, full of names. The banner hung on the wall, smudged with tea rings and hearts. She closed the door softly behind her. She set the moon lantern on the table and sat down. The wind hushed. Goodie smiled at the chipped cup beside the journal. The grandest tea party the cloudlands had ever seen was over, and it had been hers — imperfect, full, and real. She poured one last cup for herself, and drank it slow.