The Whispering Woods and the Lost Laughter

Previously

…She looked back, but the shimmering curtain had vanished, replaced by the ordinary green of the forest edge. The Whispering Woods, with its grumpy badger and shy sprites, felt like a dream, but the warmth of the glowing petals still clinging to her clothes, and the lingering taste of dandelion and dewdrop tea, were proof that it had been wonderfully, hilariously real. Lily smiled, a wide, bright smile that held all the joy she had found and all the joy she had shared. It was time to go home, her heart lighter, her laughter a little louder, and the memory of a forest that had learned to giggle forever etched in her mind.