Rabbits weren't supposed to wear waistcoats and carry watches. That was what got me into trouble. If only I hadn't looked up at the flash of white, perhaps I would have remained ignorant. But I did, and I saw it. And when I saw it, I had to follow it, simply to pacify my curiosity.
Holes are not supposed to be bottomless, especially rabbit holes. But this one was, I soon found as I followed the peculiar rabbit. They were also supposed to be empty, save for the dirt they were made of. Not this one. Tables, chairs, books, even a bed floated past me on my way down.
Flowers are not supposed to talk, but the ones in this place did. They insulted me as I passed, perhaps because I stood out so sharply with this world. Animals are supposed to make sense, not be unidentifiable, but the thing that grabbed me by the back of my tank top was just such an animal. It appeared to be a hybrid of a cat, a bear, and a lion.
Castles are supposed to be beautiful and welcoming, not blood red and located in deserts. This one was blood red and located in just such a location, complete with a moat of blood and severed heads. The soldiers were cards, all in red or black armor, all bearing a number and a heart. Queens were supposed to be quiet and even-tempered, beloved by their subjects. This one was the complete opposite. This couldn't be happening.
I didn't believe in magic. I didn't believe plants could talk. I didn't believe in fairy tales, or the crap concocted by authors for small children, and I sure as hell didn't believe in Wonderland. But it was real, all of it was real. I'm Alessandra, Alice for short, and this is my story.