AWAKENING

After her long bath, Li Hua crawled onto her bed, her lids becoming heavy, but before she could fall asleep...

--

"Master..." A soft voice called out to her. So soft that she would've almost missed it.

Li Hua's eyes snapped open. The voice had come from within her consciousness, familiar yet changed. "Little Firefly?" she whispered, all traces of fatigue vanishing instantly.

Without hesitation, she crossed her legs and entered meditation, her consciousness diving into her inner space. The familiar realm that greeted her had transformed. Where once there had been only gardens and her treasured peach trees, now...

Little Firefly flew into her arms, the familiar warmth of his presence making her heart swell. She squeezed him tight, realizing just how much she'd missed her small companion during these long months.

"Master! I missed you!" His light flickered with excitement, pulsing like a joyful heartbeat against her chest.