The thing was, this key is handed down from generation to generation. Two thousand years ago by our ancestors, this key, became a magical part of the Cistene family. For reasons of a means of escape from a cruel world that was growing stronger by the day…

Centuries later,as my grandmother handed me the key, I was mesmerized at the thought that I would finally get the chance to explore what was inside that door. I thought about the times I climbed those stairs to sit on the top step and stare. So many times, my grandmother would call up to me from the bottom of the stairs to ask me how I was doing. In the summer, it was,”Are you too hot?” However, in the winter, it was, “Are you too cold? ” I would always reply with, “I am fine grandma” or “I’ll be down in a minute”, if she cooked a meal for me. Today was different. I was so excited. Today, I would learn the secret world of Catalina. Today was the day I was mature enough to know the secret.

My home was now with my grandmother. It wasn’t like she was unable to take care of herself. We just felt (my mom and I) that granny needed a little extra company. I was also offered a job in my hometown that was to start next week. Without enough time to prepare for a new place, I decided that I would live with my grandmother for a while. My mom was planning to move back to live in her childhood home as well next month.

I thought to myself that I should wait for her. I mean, my mom was already familiar with the door and the magic. I also wanted to go ahead and turn the lock on the doorknob. All my uncertainty was settled when I heard the sound of broken glass downstairs. I immediately got up to run down the stairs when my grandmother was starting to meet me in the hall that led to the stairs. She nudged me eagerly to the door. I knew at that moment that our lives were at stake if I didn’t unlock the door. I crawled in and pulled my grandmother’s fearful body in the world of Catalina. Immediately, I closed the door while locking it with trembling hands and fingers. Our quick moves enabled us to avoid our enemies , the Klashes. Sounds of groans came from the other side of the door as they accepted their defeat when we were nowhere to be found. My question was,”How would mom know we were here?” My wise grandmother eased my concern by telling me how my mom would know we were here. Our family had a special gift that allowed us to feel the feelings of our loved ones. That’s how she would know. But what began as my concern was soon to be comforted by the sight I would behold as I turned to face the world I was recently introduced to. I was amazed at the size of the new world I rushed into. Never in my life would I have guessed the magnitude of this new place that I had now was my entrapment.  There were acres of farmland with fields of wheat. On the right side of the fields of wheat were all sorts of farm animals. Cows, sheep, horses, and chickens. Lots of chickens. But what really fascinated me was the cottage with a small duck pond on the left corner of the house. My grandmother explained that this would be our safe place while we waited for the Klashes to return to their home. I said to myself, “How could anyone want to leave here? Why wouldn’t we stay here instead of returning home.” My grandmother sensed my worry and led me to the cottage.  Inside was a pot of soup on the stove. Obviously made recently, were two pimento cheese sandwiches for us to devour with our vegetable beef soup. She encouraged me to eat well tonight in order to be full. She also felt it was necessary for me to get a good night’s sleep cause tomorrow our journey in our new world would begin. I needed the energy.

By the way, my name is Victoria. I woke up early the next day. The supper we had filled me up. Our world was turned upside down. I was enjoying the experience at Catalina. My grandmother was still asleep. I didn’t want to disturb her quite yet. After a quick breakfast of bagels with a cream cheese spread, I planned to explore the grounds of our new world. I was so excited that I felt I was inhaling my bagel. I found a chair at the table to sit down and eat slowly. Taking my time, I started to think about how all this fresh food was provided and prepared for us. Someone secretly knows we will be here today. I was thirsty, so I poured a glass of milk from a pitcher sitting on the table. I quenched my thirst and then got up from the chair. I noticed my grandmother was still asleep. To satisfy my curiosity, I decided to peek outside. To my surprise, I was overlooking the grounds of the Biltmore Estates, the largest home in the U.S. What? How did I get here? I noticed a childhood friend of mine sitting on a blanket. The weather outside felt like spring. Once I arrived, we chatted a bit. He offered me a piece of fresh fruit from his picnic basket. We both noticed the clouds that seemed to resemble all of the pets we had loved and lost over the years. Male and female, they seemed to guard us like warriors ready to pounce on any enemy that would invade our peace.  I was confused. How did I get here from the world of Catalina? My friend must have read my thoughts. He explained to me that his hypothesis was that our memories were frozen in time. We were here together because we would often play as young kids and role-play being the owners of such a grand estate as the Biltmore. Since our memories were frozen in time, we experience them. While explaining the world of Catalina to me, I looked past the field of grass and noticed a treehouse. I stopped my friend Chris from talking to notice his attention over to the patch of woods. We both got up in a flash to walk through the grass with several small bushes that resembled marshmallows, so we could explore this place. When we arrived, we opened the door. We were astonished by what we saw…

Chris says, “What is it? “When I gasped as soon as I opened the door. Victoria, why are you being so quiet? Are you hurt?” At least I finally… once I caught my breath. I said, “N. N. O, I just…I’m in awe of this.” What was before me was a grand staircase in the distance. Several women in Egyptian clothing led up to that staircase. Some women were laying down a dark covering for us to walk on, like a “red carpet” for celebrities. Each side, leading to the staircase, had pillars made of gold that stood as strong towers. On the right side, I saw people. Maybe families. I’m not sure, but they appeared to be cooking by preparing fruits and vegetables. I smell meat cooking. Was it a soup or stew, maybe? Were these people tenants of this amazing structure? I’m not sure. I made my way inside, almost stunned. Was I meant to find this place? I gained my composure and motioned for Chris to follow me. I could tell he was confused by my reaction, so I explained to him what I saw inside. I waited for Chris to enter. We were greeted by a middle-aged woman who reminded me of my mother. Wait!” She was my mother. We exchanged a hug. My mom said, “Go ahead, make your way to the staircase so you can see the beauty that’s inside. This is Vingrettea. It’s a subdivision of Catalina.” “Subdivision? ” I said. My mom was sad to report how she was aware of the evil ones, the Klashes. She also talked about their invasion back at Grandma’s house. My mom was already traveling here even before I heard them break in by the sound of broken glass. I’d find out what that meant for us after I took my tour of the upstairs. So, as Chris and I began to ascend the stairs. We didn’t expect the surprises waiting for us. As soon as we entered the hallway, we were amazed at the rooms lining the hall. Doors and doors of rooms. I felt like I was in a castle, a grand estate. I was puzzled which door to open, so I picked the closest one to me. I had my fingers wrapped around the doorknob.  Chris grabbed my arm to hold me back. He said, “He should be the one to open the door.” He sensed the fear in my voice. I rolled my eyes at Chris when he took the lead. After all that we had already been through, I was scared for either one of us. Our enemies can make harmful things seem like something we are lacking. So, we are more apt to bite the bait, so to speak. What was dangerous would be hidden to fool us if the Klashes were involved with it. I thought this place was too good to be true. It had to be a trap. I was new to this. You see, Chris was a friend from my past who was like a big brother to me. He was always protective. He died of childhood cancer. Honestly, I was devastated when that happened. My best friend left me alone. I was terrified of this at the time. Because of his age at death, he was aware of the forces we had to defend ourselves against our enemies. He knows the secret doors created by our ancestors. At least I thought so, that is. Chris says, “There is a reason I know opening these doors is safe. Please just trust me.” The first door he opened, we were greeted by freedom. ‘What do I mean by that?’ You ask? I mean, I found unmet needs being met behind every door that I opened. My mom was right. I would learn the reason once I went upstairs to Vingretta. Chris was in awe of my reactions, but what I didn’t know was his secret. He had already known about this place for years. To my surprise, he was already in this world. Chris was waiting for me to get to Vingretta, Catalina. We would be together again.

…About my grandma. It was she who prepared all the food for us. See, it was easy for her to step into this world and come back to her home. Things were different now, though. I knew the world of Catalina. The longer I stayed here, the more loved ones I met. I never wanted to go back to a life where the Klashes could defeat us.  I was happy here.