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The world was bathed in a golden light, and there, at the end of what seemed to be a vast meadow, were my mother and Selene, holding hands. I approached them, my heart full of admiration.

"Good job." My mother smiled. "We knew you could do it."

Selene clapped her hands. "And now, because you believed, you've opened yourself to the greatest gift of all." My eyes gleamed as she handed me a ring with a unique moonstone.

"Whenever times get tough, dear daughter, plant your lips on this stone," she whispered, placing the ring on my index finger. This will connect your heart to mine through a silvery thread.

I was momentarily blinded by the ring's glow, then my mother tenderly kissed my forehead. In this realm, she was very tangible.

"It's time for you to go."

I looked at her eagerly, savoring every little detail. I had to store her in my memory, to cling to every bit of beauty her form contained.

"I wish I could take you with me." This was the child in me, saying things that reflected the