At the Bottom of The Garden

At the bottom of the garden

It was a lovely sunny day, I was as I often did out in the garden. Just pottering around pulling up the odd weed, deadheading a few flowers. Then something caught my eye at the end of the garden, what was it? It gleamed in the sun, but I couldn't quite make out what it was. I put down my tools and walked up towards the fruit trees, squinting as I did. Surely I must be imagining it, it looked like a little a door. No, I must have been out I the sun too long without a hat. It was just stupid, I mean who ever heard of little doors in trees.

Bring, Bring the telephone trilled from the house. stomping back into the house I wiped my hands on my apron. You know what it's like once you go indoors you get distracted, and before I knew it I was busy I the kitchen. I completely forgot about the little door.

*

A little later I was back out in the garden with the vegetable peelings for the compost. That's when I heard something, what was it? I looked around, nope I as alone, even the dog wasn't with me. I carried on.  I heard it again, yes definitely voices, quiet, but voices none the less. No, it must be one of the kids or my husband playing tricks, maybe a neighbour. I hesitated but couldn't hear anything other than the singing of birds, The birds seemed louder, much louder than normal.

There is was again. Its bright green paint shining in the afternoon sun, leftover droplets of water from an earlier shower sparkling like little diamonds. No this must be a mirage. Getting closer I studied the silver detailing on the door, elaborate hinges, a little window. Below the door a little wooden step, shaped rather like fungi, with the word 'Welcome' carved into it. I looked closer, above the door a little roof like porch with wooden shingles.

Dropping to my knees so I could see better, I must look a right wally I thought, it crossed my mind that there maybe a hidden camera. The door was at eye level now, I wondered who or what could use such a door. It seemed so inviting.

"Quick" came a little voice, but where from, no it couldn't be, could it? High pitched voices deep inside the tree, scratching my head I said out loud "I really must start drinking more water".

Suddenly I see my own hand reaching out towards the door, what the hell was I doing, I really shouldn't. My fingers caressed the tiny silver door knob. Should I Knock? No of course not, my hands are far too big. With much excitement building inside me and a little fear, I slowly carefully turned the little knob. To my surprise, the door opened. Leaning closer, I peeked inside, a tiny fancy pair of boots greeted me. Beyond the boots a set of double doors, fancier than the outer door. Golden doors decorated with a fine filigree pattern.

"Did you lock the door?" a voice again, female this time I think. Maybe I should leave it alone, but I can't temptation just too much. Reaching inside my big clumsy hands hardly fit. I can just grip the tiny knobs between finger and thumb, twisting them, I pray they are not locked.

Click!, the doors swing open. A waft of sweet smelling air escapes, honey and flowers combine filling the air with the smell of spring. I hear a scurry of feet, tiny feet. Whispering, ssshing then nothing.

Sitting back on my heels I just stare silently in astonishment at my new discovery.

*

I don't know how long I was sat there staring, but then I saw it a flash of movement inside the doors. There it was again. Then to my astonishment, a small face peered around the door. I blinked, no, this was a dream, I would wake up soon.

"Hello" came a tiny voice, which I soon realised was my own. A fairy stepped out from behind the door and crept out onto the step. More faces appeared behind her. They seemed as surprised to see me, as I they.