on the first night, they came to the secret garden weary and wounded. the humans undressed and bathed in the river, clear and cool, while the child explored the edges of the garden. they set up camp and prayed at the shrines across the river, thankful for this sanctum and a place to rest. the recent absence was felt among them. they spoke little that night, and quickly fell into a dreamless sleep.
on the second night, they filled the garden with laughter and joy. they had slept in late, soaking in the midmorning sun. the garden was bountiful: fruits and vegetables grew plentifully, fish swam in the river, and berries, herbs, and flowers grew throughout the grass. they fished and ate in abundance, drank sweet honey wine, and played cards into the night. around a dying fire, they told the stories they'd heard when they were younger, learning more about each other’s worlds. they slept peacefully, the warmth of the wine flowing through their bodies and minds.
on the third night, a ghost moon hovered at the horizons edge, surrounded by a rainbow of the brightest stars in the sky. they were massive and powerful, celestial giants in a war far older than mankind itself. down below, everything seemed peaceful. the humans and the child watched as these titans flickered across the sky. they felt immensely small under the infinite abyss above, not realizing how large their role in all of this would be. the garden had cleansed and cared for them, and they slept with minds full of magical dreams.