In Between Minds: The Journey Begins

I dreamed.

_Dr. Kozlov sat behind his desk talking to a little girl. She looked about five, with shifting green-blue eyes._

_He watched her a moment and said, "Valentina, why do we not leave the Camp?"_

_She frowned and recited, "The outside world does not understand people like us. Only inside the Camp are we safe."_

_"That is correct. And what happens when we are caught outside of the shelter of the Camp?"_

_Her reply was calm, "We spend time in isolation to reflect on our mistakes."_

_No!_ I shouted, _Not a little girl!_

_"Then I suggest you be on your way."_

_Valentina's brows furrowed, but she nodded and left. Once outside the office she looked up, at me, *Who are you?*_

I woke up with a start, heart pounding. As I tried to calm my breathing I slowly noticed the smell of a campfire. Looking around, I found my gardening teacher sitting near me, sipping coffee.

"Why?" I asked.

_Because your pain is still separate from you. I will help,_ she said, the space behind her voice still silent.