Earth to Nim

I walk through a grassy meadow where pixies and sprites hide beneath flowers and stones. I find one and follow it all the way to the knothole of an oak tree. The pixie lives with a family of squirrels. One squirrel wearing an apron prepares acorn stew over a warm fire in the fireplace. 

My brother, Jacob, asks me why I’m staring out the window listlessly. By that time, I’m sitting on a tree in the battle of my life fighting goblins and gigantic wolves with bow and arrow in hand. With only three arrows left, I wait anxiously for the king’s army to arrive.

Jacob sighs and says, “Hello? Earth to Nim.”

I pilot a spaceship dodging enemy fire from a large alien armada and jump into hyperspace. I swim to the depths of the sea to visit mermaids. I sit on the bench and have a pleasant talk with Bilbo Baggins. I rise from my chair and volunteer to help Frodo on his journey to Mordor and join the fellowship.

“Can you come back to reality for five minutes?” Jacob asks.

“Nope,” I say.

“Why not?”

“Because in reality, I’m in Wisconsin, but I haven’t a clue where you are. You’ve been missing for months.”