She ran through the fields, chasing the blue butterflies and dandelion fluff. It was a beautiful day, and her worries were gone. She glanced upwards at the crystal cobalt sky. Suddenly, a yellow butterfly flew past. She jerked her head toward it, then ran after it, trying to catch it. It led her away, past the fields and right up to the gates of the old rose garden. She stopped short when she saw this place. But slowly, she opened the rusty old gate and stepped inside. The roses were overgrown, and the statue of her mother was dusty. She smiled up at it.

“Hello, Mother,” she whispered, placing her hand on the statue. “I miss you.” She turned away and gathered a bunch of roses to put in her mother's arms. Then she gathered some more and walked over to the corner were the grave sat. She knelt and put the roses on the tombstone. She smiled as she recalled the happy days with her mother. Oh, the days they’d spent together, exploring lakes and meadows and caves! But then her mother had gotten ill, and it hadn't been long before she died.

If only she could have lived a little longer, she reflected sadly. The things we might have done. She was tired, so she simply lay down near the grave.

Suddenly, a burst of light awoke her. She was in her old room. The window was open, and she could see the rose garden. And there- there was her mother, as alive as ever! She jumped out of bed with a cry and run to her mother’s arms, where she cried, so happy to see her again.

“There, there,” her mother said. “It’s alright. You were only dreaming.” Her mother let her go, and looked at her face. “Everything is alright.” The daughter nodded. Suddenly, a yellow butterfly flew by. “See that butterfly?” the mother asked, pointing. “Whenever you see one, think of me.” She smiled at her daughter. “I love you.”

The daughter woke up. She looked around sadly. The rose garden was gone. She was in her new room, in her new house, with her father. It had only been a dream. But still, she smiled and stood up, strong from her mother’s love and ready to begin again.