No Perfect Worlds

a short story by Scott Hendricks ©1994

Abigail walked along the banks of the gently flowing stream that snaked its way through the lush forest. Sunlight filtered softly through the thick foliage, and reflected off the crisp, clear water, catching Abigail’s eye. Sunsparks, she called them, and her bright blue eye’s darted back and forth as they flashed around the woods. Crickets chirped merrily this day and Abigail tried to sing along with them. With pursed lips, she whistled while vibrating her tongue. The end result being a fair impersonation of the young girls favorite insect. Though others would think it was stupid and a waste of time, Abigail was quite proud of this little accomplishment and she continued to chirp as she leisurely strolled down alongside the stream.

A small flat rock along the bank provided a comfortable place to sit and Abigail, already barefoot, dangled her small brown feet in the cool water. Tiny brilliantly colored fish approached unafraid and began to lightly nibble upon her toe’s. This always caused Abigail to laugh aloud with glee. Her musical voice caressed the forest, adding to the chorus of crickets, frogs, and birds, which filled the air with natures own symphony.

A giant butterfly alighted on her knee and flexed it’s fuzzy wing’s up and down while staring intently at the little girl. She held out her finger and the butterfly leapt into the sky with a flash of color, circled once, then came back to land upon it. She brought the butterfly close to her cherub like face. Now they both stared intently at each other. Pursing her lip’s again, this time in concentration, her slightly chubby cheeks revealed dimples. And when the butterfly’s antenna tickled against her small round nose, the angelic grin set those dimples even deeper.

Abigail lay back on the moss covered rock lifting her finger and it’s occupant high overhead. With a gentle flick of a wrist, the butterfly danced up into the sparkling light and swaying canopy of leaves and vine. She watched until it was gone, then let out a contented sigh.

A moment later Abigail heard a familiar rustling sound from behind her. “I was wondering when you'd get here!” she said jumping up with a quickness that almost defied her nine year age. She stayed facing away from her newly arrived friend, waiting. She heard the movement but still didn’t turn, though a grin burst from her face. Hot moist breath flowed into her long brown hair which draped across her shoulders. She giggled while warm lips tickled the back of her neck until she could stand it no longer. She turned around to face her friend with such love that it almost pained her fragile heart. Gazing into his face, Abigail felt delight, comfort, happiness and a score of other wonderful feelings as he slowly backed away until she could see him in his entirety.

Against a backdrop of leaves and wood the dazzling white unicorn stood majestically, like a painting come to life. His small hoof pawed the ground lightly while huge green eyes stared into Abigail’s. The long single horn, which extended from the middle of his forehead, was smooth and polished with an almost mirror like finish. He nodded his head and let out a high pitched whinny and Abigail ran to him. She embraced his neck and ran fingers through the long silky mane. “Bree!” she sang “I’m so glad to see you again!” The unicorn snorted in agreement while she hugged him even tighter.

They walked along together through the forest and because he was such a small unicorn, Abigail was able to drape an arm over the velvety neck of her companion. Normally, she would be telling Bree about whatever was bothering her, for he was such a good listener. But today she just felt like being quiet and enjoying the moment, which could end at any time. And even as these thoughts formed in her mind, Bree suddenly stopped, his head held high, muscles flexed, eyes alert.

“Where are you Abby?” A voice came out from the brush “Abby! Hey Stinko!” Abigail cringed at the sound of her brother. Why does he always ruin things? she thought.

The sounds of the forest had ceased, and all that could be heard were the clumsy footfalls of Abigail’s brother Roth approaching. He crashed through the underbrush, tearing branches and vines in his usual destructive manner.

Bree was quivering with fear, and before Abigail could stop him, he bolted, jumping the stream and disappearing into the silent woods. Just then Roth burst into the clearing. “Here you are stinkhead!” he shouted, “Why didn’t you answer me? I oughta kick your butt!”

Roth was bigger than Abigail, and a year older, But she wasn’t afraid. “Try it then idiot!” She growled “Why don’t you go away? You're always wrecking things.”

“So what! I’ll do what I want.”

“If you don’t go away I’m telling mom.” Abigail felt like crying, she had come here to get away from Roth.

“Tell her then, tattletale.” Roth snided, “Mom sent me anyways to tell you she wants you.”

“What for?” Abigail asked

“Who cares? Just go back or your in trouble!”

“Tell her I’ll be there in a minute.” she said in desperation. She wasn’t ready to go back yet, it wasn’t even fair, she had just gotten here.

“You tell her yourself cowbutt.” Roth chided “I’m taking a leak.” and with that he began to pee into the clear stream.

“Stop that you asshole!” she screamed and pushed Roth into the water.

Blubbering and dripping Roth ran back into the brush shouting threats to Abigail.

“You’re gonna get it now you bitch!” and then he was gone and slowly, once again, the sounds of the forest began anew. Bree popped his head out from behind a bush and let out a snort. Once more the two continued their walk, but this time no longer in silence.

“Oh Bree,”she couldn’t hold back the tears, “I hate him so much.” She tried to push her face into his mane, but he pulled back, giving her a reproachful look.

“I know, I know,”she sniffled, “He's my brother and I love him but...He’s just so mean.” Bree expressed his understanding by moving to her and she hugged him once again. Just then the ground shook. Bree’s eye’s flew open wide. Another shock tore the earth. Birds screamed in the distance. Bree pranced about excitedly. Still another tremor, and whatever it was, was getting closer. Explosive noise of splintering wood ripped the air as trees were crushed by something that was headed toward them.

And then it emerged. Standing over fifty feet tall, the Tyrannosaurus Rex looked down over the young girl and her unicorn. Rows of sharp teeth lined it’s mouth, saliva frothed in anticipation. Bree panicked and danced away in retreat. The T-Rex lunged at Abigail who held her ground. His mouth gaped wide...Wide enough to devour her whole and he strained his neck toward her. Then from the thicket Bree leapt to the rescue. He galloped so quickly, the T-Rex had little chance to react. With head down the little unicorn drove the single horn deep into the monsters leg, penetrating the thick leathery flesh.

The T-Rex let out a deafening shriek of pain and Abigail cried out, “No Bree...No! Run! Get out of here!” But to no avail. Bree had backed away to make another run. Fear burned in his eye’s, while the monster’s showed only laughter, with it’s mouth curled back in a permanent sneer. Bree made his move, but the T-Rex was faster. It lashed it’s head down and came up with the small unicorn gripped tightly between it’s teeth. Bree was screaming now as huge daggers pierced his quivering flanks.

“Stop it! Stop it! Abigail cried out, and ran at the monster, kicking and punching him with all her strength. With a loud crunch, the T-Rex severed the unicorn in half. Bree... or what was left of him, landed wetly, next to Abigail, with a loud smack, spattering her with warm blood. She stood over Bree sobbing quietly. The T-Rex reared up over her, yet she made no attempt to escape. With a roar, he attacked, darting down to grab the next victim. “No!” she yelled, as the T-Rex closed it’s jaws around her frail body. The teeth came together with a loud snap and pulled away, Abigail stood unharmed. Once more the monster attacked, tearing through her lithe form. Abigail stood her ground, hardly noticing the violent scene. The dinosaur continued to bite and tear yet it’s teeth passed through her as though she were but a ghost.

“Roth stop that!” An angry voice halted the attack. The T-Rex stood up tall and looked at the woman who was approaching the bloody scene. He let out a roar that shook the world. “Roth!” the woman said firmly. Suddenly the Tyrannosaurus began to melt like wax, and in it’s place stood a small ten year old boy with golden brown skin, jet black hair, dull blue eye’s, and a sly smile upon his thin pale lips.

“What's going on here Roth?” the woman demanded an answer.

“Aw mom... I was just getting stinko...I mean Abby, like you said too.” Roth hung his head.

“I’ve warned you about teasing your sister. Now, unhook.”

“But mom!”

“Unhook!” her tone made Roth flinch. He reached up to his head and disappeared.

Abigail was still weeping. “Come on honey,” her mother said “It’s time for you to get dinner ready.” Abigail didn’t move “Look Ab, I know your mad at Roth but try not to take it to seriously.” She noticed the dead unicorn on the ground. “Hey kiddo, its not real anyway.” She waved her hand and the unicorn vanished along with all the blood. “Now unhook, it’s almost five.” With that, Abigail's mother reached up and disappeared. Abigail let out a sigh and did likewise.

Blinking, Abigail’s eye’s adjusted to the dim room lighting. Removing her headset, she laid it down on the terminal and ejected the program from the computer slot. Sticking the small metal disc in her top pocket,she pushed the chair back from the desk. Roth was not in the room but she knew he was close by. The cramped apartment held very few hiding places. She started to look for him.

“Honey,” said her mother, “Just leave him alone, I’ll take care of it later.” Abigail began to protest but her mother had hooked back into the virtual terminal and was already miles away.

Abigail stared out the grimy window of the fiftieth floor apartment. Above and below her the city stood, dark, filthy and decayed. Chemical rain drenched the dying metropolis night and day, and the smog would burn your lungs if you were foolish enough to forget your gear. She wondered if the world ever really looked like the one on her disc. She was going to ask her mother, but saw the glazed look in her eye’s and shuddered. “One day,” Abigail thought, “I’ll go to my special world forever.”

The end.

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