The Price of a Blink
The highway stretched before Rosina like an endless ribbon of inky black. The moon, a sliver of pearl in the vast tapestry of night, cast an ethereal glow, barely illuminating the deserted road. Exhaustion gnawed at her, a relentless beast whispering promises of sweet slumber. Against her better judgment, Rosina allowed her eyelids to flutter closed, just for a moment. A jolt. A jarring screech. Then, silence. Rosina blinked, disoriented. Gone was the oppressive darkness, replaced by a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. Lush, emerald meadows stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with wildflowers in every shade imaginable. The air thrummed with the melody of unseen songbirds, a symphony sweeter than any she'd ever heard. The scent of honeysuckle and jasmine filled her senses, so intoxicating it made her head spin. Laughter, light and musical, drifted on the breeze. Rosina turned, her heart skipping a beat at the sight before her. Ethereal beings, draped in shimmering rob...