This story was written and submitted for my ERIL project 2003. The theme of the project was [Mysteries] and I did some research on the Stonehenge, Extra Sensory Perception and ancient oracles before I embarked on this writing assignment.

Dear Mom and Dad,

I’m writing this to explain my disappearing act. Don’t worry (though I know you weren’t at all) because I am absolutely fine. Be thankful I wrote this because you would probably not receive anything like this in the future. I know I’ve always been a nuisance in the family and now that I’m gone, life is definitely much easier for you folks.

Dad, I will not forget the menace in your eyes when you called me a “Sissypuff”. In your eyes, I have always been considered a weakling just because I did not possess your athletic qualities the way Tim and Samuel did. You never fail to confront me with your intimidating comparisons.

Mom, thanks for your loving care, and I could tell you were trying to appear indifferent about the gossips about me in the neighbourhood. I was ostracized by the kids because they thought I was weird. I was labeled a geeky freak in school. But Mom, you stood strong for me and accused the scandalmongers of being unappreciative of a unique individual.

Remember our visit to Stonehenge during our holiday in England last spring? Dad and Tim were not at all keen to visit this attraction. However, being drawn by the many fascinating tales of witches and wizards taking place at the Stonehenge ever since I was a child, I was looking forward to the visit.

Upon the encounter with the Stonehenge at Salisbury Plains in England, my life was never the same again. The majestic structure struck me to awe. Despite its majesty, I felt as if I was blanketed by serene peace. I heard the most angelic singing. There was something mesmerizing about the Stone Circle. After much persuasion, I finally left the place unwillingly. As I turned back and took my last glance, in the distance I thought I saw a woman behind the stone and a man beside her, caressing a newborn in her arms. During the next few days in England, we saw many famous landmarks. But they all failed to captivate my attention as I could not get over the intoxicating experience with the Stonehenge.

As I was having my routine meditation on the rooftop after our return one day, the moment I reached the peak of tranquil I saw myself in a dark tunnel walking towards a light source. The light was so blinding that I had to shield my eyes with my arms. After walking for sometime, I realized I was approaching an object.

I could not see its face but I could tell it was a human as it was outlined by the light source from behind. From afar, I could feel fatherly warmth emitting from this bodily figure. When our eyes met, it was the friendliest face I have ever seen. He smiled benevolently at me. Dressed in a white gown, his neatly combed back grey tresses rested on his broad shoulders. We walked on together. Though we did not converse at all, I felt he was a congenial companion.

He led me to the light source which was actually a mirror. In the mirror reflection, I found a striking resemblance between me and the man of placid disposition. I stared at the resemblance in scrutiny but the image disillusioned and before I knew it, I was staring at the Stone Circles at bird’s eye view. I heard the familiar echo of my name once again, followed by the same song I had heard at the visit then. This time, however, it was sung in the most melancholic tone. A woman, with a shawl draped over her shoulders, sat in the middle of the Stone Circle, grieving silently. As the song played on, a picture of me embraced in the arms of the woman and the man was painted in my mind, together with angels playing exuberant music in the background. I was enjoying extreme happiness in that scene. It suddenly dawned on me that I did not belong at home. I asked the man if I could stay with him, he opened his mouth but no words came out. He disappeared into thin air suddenly. The surroundings diminished slowly and I found myself back on the rooftop.

The song continued to echo in my mind. I knew it was a calling for me to return. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I have total confidence in my quest for truth and happiness. Wish me luck. Farewell.

With Love,
Ryan

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© Copyright 2003 Julia Tan. No part of this may be reproduced for any private purposes. Please kindly contact me before using any part of the stories or poems.