The click of my suitcase closing made a sound much louder than it should have in the dark room. I looked around my bedroom which was, over these last few months, the only place I found solitude. My drawers hung open, my favorite belongings long packed away. The sounds of animals filtered in through my open window, an half-full-moon lighting the farm just enough for me to see the outline of the barn and the fence, but not enough for anyone who may be awake to see my escape.

This place was no longer home, and it was no longer real. The only place that was real to me was the place I left behind only a few short months ago. I pulled on my thicker stockings, not bothering to put any shoes on until I was sure I wouldn't be heard. I moved the small, round bedside table out of my way, making sure the letter I wrote Auntie Em would be easily seen before dropping my suitcase outside the window. Next I took Toto into my arms, shushing him before straddling the window ledge. I took one last look at my flower-covered walls before dropping out the window.

"Come on Toto, let's go," I said to my companion before picking up my suitcase with one hand, and Toto with the other.

I wandered along the picket fence for a time, trying to distance myself from the place I once called my home. I was still a bit in awe that I left, but knew it was a long-time coming. I was revered as crazy by those I knew. I was tired of the hushed whispers that would cease once I passed, the stares of disbelief, and the awkward smiles. I knew I had the ability to stop it, to tell people I made it all up or that it was just a colorful dream - but I refused.

It truly came down to that I'd rather be alone and crazy than surrounded by people who I have to lie to daily.

The farm was starting to disappear behind me. I turned to Toto. "It's time to say goodbye," I said, slipping my shoes on before climbing over the picket fence onto the dirt road. I took one last look at the place where I grew up, the place I grew to love and, eventually, need to leave.

I continued on into the dark night for some more time, holding Toto close to my chest for warmth. I knew that Zeke, Hickory, and Hunk would be waking in an hour or two to begin graining the animals. The only way they would find me gone would be if they were to look into my window, which I didn't think they were apt to do, but quickened my step anyway.

In the distance I saw a glowing in the forest, strange for it being so late. I recognized the bridge on my right and knew it would be Professor Marvel's home she would be approaching.

"Toto, do you think he's up at this hour?" I asked my furry friend. It was possible, but I doubted it, supposing he simply fell asleep with the fire still lit.

Hoping to warm myself before continuing on my journey, I found the path that led to his abode and set Toto on the ground to run to the fire himself. As I drew nearer, I could begin to feel the heat from the fire. The orangish hue lit the side of Marvel's train car where his horse stood sleepily. I patted his nose and he snorted affectionately.

"Hello, my friend," said a voice from the fire. I started, whirling around quickly to see Marvel smoking his pipe. He smiled up at me, Toto already in his lap.

"Hello, sir," I said, setting down my suitcase and walking towards the fire.

"Off on another adventure?" he asked me, "Over the rainbow, I presume?"

"Now, it's not kind to make fun."

"Ah, so it is true." He sat silently for some time while I sat and warmed myself. He took long draws from the white, clay pipe. There was something different about him this evening, something I couldn't put my finger on.

"So you want to go back?"

My face turned to the sky. Some bare trees blocked my view, but as sure as I was of the stars in the sky, I was sure that Oz was out there... Somewhere.

"I do." I wasn't sure why I decided to be honest with him, perhaps because I was tired of trying to appear "normal".

There was a glimmer in his eye and he stood up, moving to his makeshift home.

"To be honest with you, Dorothy - so do I," he said, picking up a brilliant emerald coat and draping it around his shoulders. What was so different about him was that his usual waistcoat was green - the same green waistcoat that...

"Oh, you are a bad man!" I exclaimed, smiling widely and jumping up in excitement.

He laughed mirthfully. "Not a bad man, just a bad wizard."

"So you are the Wizard? There truly is such a place?" I asked him, following him onto the cart as Toto followed closely behind me.

"I thought you already believed in it," he pointed out, digging through some of his things and I laughed as well.

"Well, it is still nice knowing that I'm not insane! What are you looking for?" I asked him.

He ignored the question, still searching through his things. "I've been waiting for this day, Dorothy. After a while, I wasn't sure it would come."

"What are you talking about?" I asked him, sitting down at his table. Toto sat against my feet as I waited for Professor Marvel, err... the Wizard, to turn around.

"You see," he said, seemingly finding what he was looking for, "I was able to have a double life. One here, and one in Oz. The Good Witch of the North wanted you to be able to do the same thing."

From behind his back, he procured the ruby slippers and I gasped.

"How... Glinda..."

"Yes. She sent me here with these. Along with being safer in this world, we wanted you to be able to live in whichever world you -"

"But why didn't you tell me before?" I demanded, standing up suddenly enough to startle Toto into yelping. "I thought I was insane. I watched everyone I know turn sympathetic toward me."

The Wizard bowed his head sympathetically. "All I can say is I am sorry."

I looked at him, feeling my eyes soften. "I forgive you, of course," I said, caressing the ruby slippers admiringly. "So, what do I do next?"

"Well, first you'll need to put them on," he said with a smile, watching as I slipped off my ordinary, black shoes and replaced them with the mystical pair from Oz.

"Now," he said, handing me my bag, "Close your eyes and think of your hearts greatest desire at this very moment and click your heals together."

I picked up Toto from where he stood at my feet. "It's that simple?"

"My dear, I will not lie to you again. I will soon see you on the other side," he said as I closed my eyes and began to think of the one think I wanted most - a land of Munchkins and Witches and emerald cities... Perhaps one day I could live in both worlds as he did.