The forest beyond the doorway shifted. The abandoned village disappeared. In its place stood their actual village. The houses were whole. Smoke rose from the cooking area. The gardens were green, and the wooden walkways stretched between the trees.
The afternoon sun shone over the roofs.
It looked exactly as Jude remembered it.
He almost stepped through.
Then he noticed something.
There were people moving between the houses.
Twelve women.
His wives.
Susan was carrying a basket. Rose was walking beside Natalie. Zoey and Lucy were laughing near the garden. Stella was arranging flowers. Emma and Grace were carrying vegetables towards the storehouse. Sophie stood near the central firepit, and Scarlet was speaking to Serena.
Layla was beside the well.
They were all there.
All twelve.
Jude felt a wave of relief.
"It's our village."
Serena stared.
"But we're here."
The figures in the village continued moving.
Then Susan looked up.
She seemed to notice the opening.
