Return To Neverland

Note: This is also on my Wattpad account.

Return to Neverland

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Surrounded by family and friends the woman once known as Wendy Darling closed her eyes and took a breath. That breath was her last. She could no longer hear the sounds of her family's cries or feel the weary fatigue of age setting in on her bones, she felt nothing at all.

It wasn't until later, when her family had all left the room to gather themselves that the old window blew open and a pair of dirty, bare feet landed lightly on the windowsill. However, where Wendy's family saw an elderly woman with white hair and laugh lines, the owner of the feet saw someone else.

Sitting on the side of her bed, face unlined and cheeks rosy, was a young Wendy Darling. Her attention was on a book in her hands, eyes flicking across the pages, but upon hearing the sound of his feet treading on the floor, she turned to the guest with a sunny smile, her blue eyes sparkling despite the dim light.

"You're late, Peter. I was expecting you hours ago." The leaf-covered boy nodded before holding out a hand to her.

"Are you ready? Are you sure this time?" Wendy looked around her room, taking in the photographs on her dresser, the aged chest of toys her grandchildren had brought in, and the portrait of her and her family hanging on the papered wall above the fireplace.

This had been her life. For years she had been a mother, followed by a grandmother, and lastly, a great-grandmother. The man who had been her husband had left her long ago, going to his own heaven, all while she walked a slow path, waiting for hers.

"Yes, I'm ready," she replied, getting to her feet and taking Peter's hand, allowing him to lead her towards the open window.

"We have so much to do. The lost boys have been waiting to see you! And the fairies, too." Wendy nodded, but paused as her bare feet brushed against the windowsill. Seeing her hesitation, Peter spoke again. "Don't worry, Wendy. You'll be back soon. You always are."

Wendy shook her head. "Not this time, Peter." Peter didn't reply, but instead grasped her hand tighter, pulling her towards the window. Taking one last look at her room, Wendy followed him, stepping out of the window and into the starry night sky.

And so at long last, Wendy Darling returned to Neverland.