Years later…
My heartbeat quickened.
I said in somewhat recognition, “That lamppost, my majesties, does it not look familiar?”
As soon as I said that, it seemed as if something had clicked in my mind, and memories started to float back-- memories of the world back in Spare Oom…memories that had been once long ago forgotten. That lamppost…it can’t be…?
“Stop!” I cried out deafeningly, pulling the reins of my horse.
All heads turned to look at me.
“Fairest lady,” High King Peter asked, furrowing his brow slightly, “Your strange actions puzzle me beyond all imaginations. What has caused all this shouting?”
“Many apologies, milord, but I refuse to take away my majesties’ precious time to explain myself.” I slid down my horse swiftly. All of them followed my example, and looked at me with questions in their eyes. I observed them, in their noble robes and jewels; standing straight and tall in an orderly fashion. I looked away, trying to blink away the tears that threatened to come. I began haltingly, “My kings and queens, after we pass that lamppost, our lives will be changed forever.” I swallowed hard. “For we may never see each other again.”
“What do you mean?” asked King Edmund.
I ignored the question and walked over to Queen Susan, looked into her eyes, and took both of her hands.
“Yes?” she probed.
“Susan, Susan, please, please listen to me!”
“What’s wrong? Are you sick?” She touched my forehead.
“No!”
She drew it back quickly.
A lump was forming in my throat.
“Please, just listen to me!”
I sank to my knees and raised my head up at her. “Susan, times of trouble will come. When they come, you must never forget my words.” I paused, “Never forget Narnia and most of all,” I paused again, “Never forget all the things Aslan has done for you. Never desert Him.” I whispered, “He has done so much for you, you can’t possibly desert and abandon Him--”
“Whatever possessed you to say that? Of course I will never forget Aslan! I wouldn’t even dare! Such foolishness!” Her gentle face hardened at such a thought.
I stared deeper into her eyes, causing her to begin to look uncomfortable. I shook my head fiercely, inwardly slapping myself for my unpreparedness.
Say it, Anne, say it, before it’s too late..SAY it!
I could no longer trust my voice. I opened my mouth and closed it—no words where coming out. My tongue seemed frozen. After moments of eternity, I regained my speech. I opened my mouth once again, planning to say something lengthy. I gave up, only saying this:
“Never forget Him.”
The next thing I knew was that I was crying and gasping for breath. All of them were touched; Lucy and Edmund had hints of tears in their eyes, Peter handed me a handkerchief, and Susan squeezed my hand.
I gently let go of her hands.
All of sudden, I did something I would have never dared to do until now--I flung myself at the Four and embraced them into a hug as I sobbed brokenly. They were caught off guard but sensing that something was amiss, they embraced back wholeheartedly.
After a few moments, I stepped back, whispering, “You have all been like my brothers and sister. I-I shall never forget –y-you!” I blinked as my wet and long eyelashes brushed below my eyes.
Lucy gave me one of her sweet smiles and she walked up slowly and hugged me.
Peter said quietly,” I-I am glad to have met you, Anne.” He hesitated, “You were a comfort and such an encouragement to me--” he hesitated once more. “…when I was struggling with my faith in A-aslan.
Susan put her arm around me.
“I will never forget you, Anne,” Edmund said.
We fell silent for a time.
“Go, now,” a voice urged me.
I shook my head.
They were waiting too, they didn’t want to go.
Suddenly, I couldn’t take it anymore. So without a last glance, I ran to my horse and mounted on it hurriedly. I heard them do the same but more slowly.
I am not going to look back. It will only make it worse.
“Just go now,” the voice whispered even more urgently. “Anne, waiting and doing nothing here isn’t going to make things better! GO!”
I opened my mouth to utter, “Giddyup” when I halted, stunned by a thought.
I would never see them again. Never.
Slowly, very slowly, I turned my head.
We stared at one another.
Our tears started to flow like a stream.
“Farewell, my beloveds,” I swallowed. “May Aslan Bless You!”
Then with one final lingering glance at each other, we galloped on…and passed the lamppost. It was then when I felt a sudden overpowering gust of wind--throwing me of my horse. I felt helpless as my clothing rippled around me. I felt like I was floating—and it was then when I felt myself fall gently.
Everything was blurry and I could hardly breathe. Suddenly, my vision cleared.
I opened my eyes to realize; I was home.