I thought I'd never see this place again. It hasn't changed much, even though they tell me that five thousand years have passed in this world. I was just a little girl last time I saw this place, and nobody ever believed the stories I told them. I have a feeling they still wouldn't.
I clutch my locket, a very old and powerful thing. To me, it holds precious memories from a magical, secret childhood. To the ponies, it's an artifact from before recorded history, an ancient weapon of terrible power.
I stand and start walking down the path again, brushing my hand against a young tree as I pass by. The tree feels real enough even though its contours and colors are impossible.
For the first time, my heart-shaped locket feels heavy on my neck.
My name's Megan. I'm thirty-five years old. Dream Valley--I still can't help but call it that--needs my help. Everypony seems to think I'm some great heroine come to save them all.
All I want is to find a way back home to my daughter.
