I'm Lost

*This is supposed to be a children's story and it's probably not a child's story in the traditional sense but it is what came to me when I started to write for the prompt.*

There's a dark, soothing place within my mind that no one knows about. No one else may enter without my permission. The doors are sealed by magic, the entranceway is hidden and once there, I don't leave until I'm ready. I seek refuge here and stay for long periods of time, the durations growing longer each time. I just sit in the darkness, soothed and calm, uncaring of anything except for the peace and safety.

Outside me, the world rages. Pain racks my physical body and senses as blows strike me but I stay safe in my secret place, lost to it all. No one can touch me here, I've made certain of that throughout the years, increasing the magic, strenghtening the barriers to keep others away.

Then the day comes when the raging stops. My body has healed from its wounds but I stay hidden, fearing a trick. A year passes, then two, then five and ten. Slowly, I dare to step free from my secretest of hiding places. I stand outside the door, trembling in fear.

The meadow that I once tended with love and care is gone. In its place are weeds and dead trees. Where birds once sang, now silence reigns. I walk and I walk, but I'm lost, unable to find my way. I grow weary, my will begins to fade and I sit for a long time, unafraid but so tired I don't know how I'll ever stand again.

A voice cries out in the stillness, "You're free! Just be free!"

I leap to my feet and look all around. "Who's there? Can you help me? Please, I'm so lost. Please, please, help me."

"Come to me, I'll help you."

I begin to run now, as fast as my feet will carry me. I leap over the dead trees and weeds, fast as the wind. "Please, don't leave. I need you." And I run faster still. It seems like ages, running, running toward the sound of that sweet voice until I reach a beautiful valley. The trees have new buds on them, just starting to bloom like in spring. The new flowers dance in the breeze and a group of horses graze off in the distance.

A figure appears off to my right and I stand still, knowing somehow this is who I seek. She draws nearer and I begin to laugh. I rush forward and embrace the shining, beautiful woman before me - for she is me and I'm no longer a lost little girl but a woman set free.