Read Online R.E.M.: The Hidden World by Corrie Fischer - Free Book Online Page A

consisted of ordinary siding and it stood an average two stories high.  The outside was completely white except for the navy blue shutters that outlined its windows.  A porch wrapped all the way around its lower level and a lovely bench-like swing rested by its matching blue door.  Further from its entrance, where forest trees had most likely rested before, was a perfect patch of green grass.  The entire area was contained perfectly within the bounds of a white picket fence.  Even though it was far more normal than the other constructed homes, it still seemed like something straight out of an old fashioned movie.  Outside its isolated fence, Emily finally identified the source of the music she was hearing.  Two large speakers rested atop of wooden poles there, not unlike telephone poles back home.  Music blared out from them, but there was no one around actively listening.  It was as though they were placed there for a party or some special occasion years before and no one ever bothered to flip the off switch.   That’s odd….
    Emily was drawn from her observations as they approached the massive log cabin’s door.  It was now Lucy’s presence was once again apparent to Emily.  The strange woman took a definitive step forward and knocked loudly three times.  Emily watched and, as the handle turned, her stomach seemed to be doing back flips.  Lucy’s comment earlier about the doctor certainly got her attention.  Her anticipation to see the interior of the lovely structure was only overtaken by the eagerness to meet its owner.  The door slowly creaked open.  Emily could not believe her eyes.
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9. ThE Doorway
     
     
    After what felt like a mere instant, Renee opened her eyes, immediately blinded by the sun.  She blinked several times, allowing her eyes to adjust to the overwhelming stream of light.  She pushed off the raggedy blanket, nearly hitting her head on the boulder behind her.  Still coming to, Renee now felt something cold and solid in her right hand…. The coin! Sam!   She forced her eyes completely open and scrambled to her feet, scanning the area for her cardinal friend. 
    The winged ally was still standing on the same branch, eyes open and f ully alert as though he was patiently waiting for her to rouse.  “Oh goodness, why didn’t you wake me?”  Again, Renee consciously realized she was talking to a bird.  What’s wrong with me?
    Of course since she decided to run away from home nothing truly made sense.  Renee wondered if this was perhaps her punishment for such a childish act.  However, she was not about to let her mind go back to running circles.  She needed to focus.  Sam was still out there somewhere and she needed to find him.  “So…which way now?”  Renee felt prepared for whatever adventure may follow, so long as it led her to Sam. 
    The cardinal tilted his head, an almost comical twin kle in his eyes as though there was a secret he was not ready to share.  “Well? Let’s get going.  I must find Sam.” 
    The bird’s response came as a shock.  From his small beak flowed a beautiful series of whistles, almost musical in their tone.  It was possib ly the loveliest sound Renee ever heard.  The sound echoed across the woods with the tone of a thousand voices connected into one single entity.  Then, as suddenly as he started, the cardinal ceased and the only silence remained. 
    For a long moment, nothing mo ved, all the rustling of the forest seemed to cease entirely as though in respect.  Renee wanted to express her growing frustration and impatience, but something told her to remain calm.  She felt like a funeral procession was approaching; respect seemed demanded.  Renee almost anticipated the playing of the national anthem would start any minute.  What a silly thought….  
    Then, without any additional warning, the ground beneath her trembled slightly and then started to violently shake.  The