Even with my eyes closed, I can sense a bright light was dazzling over me. It actually dazzled me even with my eyes closed. It was like the sun's rays but, its hotness didn't hurt me. It felt comforting like the warm hug of a father. Slowly, my eyes fluttered open. Everything around me is white. White ceiling, white drapes, white everything. I am inside a big room, lying in a big comfortable bed. I sat up, leaning back on the headboard, observing everything in the room. There's nothing much in the room except for a round coffee table and a chair beside an open veranda where there is an overview of the calm blue sea. I stood up and noticed that I'm wearing an airy white dress with a white ribbon. It looks so magnificent.

Where am I?, I thought.

This doesn't look like home but, it feels home. I walked out of the room and looked outside the long open hallway. It is deserted but, I can smell the fresh air and the smell of fresh flowers blooming in spring. Okay, that just sounds weird like I'm hallucinating or something. I walked around the hallway and looked at my left where a beautiful flower garden is standing. It's filled with green bushes and various beautiful flowers I've never seen before. Well of course, where would I find flowers in the desert? While looking, I saw a man, wearing also a white clothing, sitting on the stone bench in front of the fountain, feeding the birds with bread crumbs.

I went out to the garden and I looked up at the sky. The clouds looks so puffy and like so close I could touch them. I looked back at the man and he is looking at me, smiling. He is a very handsome man with a gentle loving smile. His slightly long brown hair looks elegant and his short beard and moustache slightly gives him a rugged look.

"H-hi" I uttered shyly.

He smiled and signaled me to sit beside him.

Slowly, I approached him and sat beside him. Looking at his face closely mesmerized me. He is truly good looking and his green eyes are just comforting.

"Did you have a good sleep?" he asked.

I nodded with a smile, "Y-yes, I did. Is this your home?"

"Yes, it is"

"Well, it really is beautiful"

"Thank you, Abigail"

I looked at him surprised. I never met him before but, he knows me like I'm a friend.

"Y-you know me?" I asked.

He smiled again, "Of course, my child. I've known you for a long time. Do you like this place?"

I looked at the birds on the ground eating the crumbs and smiled. I couldn't deny that this place is the most beautiful place in the world.

"I like it here, very much" I said, "It's very peaceful and beautiful"

"Your parents was once here"

"They were?"

"Yes, they liked it here too. It's like their second home. If you would like, you can stay here forever"

"I can?" I asked excitedly.

It would be fun to live in a big mansion with a beautiful flower garden and a view of the ocean from my window rather than seeing the desert every morning.

The guy smiled back at me, "You're always welcome in my home"

"Well, I'd love to but, how about my parents? My studies?"

"It's all about making choices" then he holds my hand gently, "Your mother once faced the same problem about whether going back home or staying here"

"She didn't stay"

"She did not. If she stayed here, she wouldn't have a daughter such as you"

"Who are you?" I asked curiously.

He smiled, shining like a star. "I am your father, brother, and friend. I'm always here by your side when you need my guidance. I am here as your protector"

For some reason, I feel like crying. I wanted to stay with him forever but, I cannot just leave my family.

"Would my life be okay if I go back home?" I asked, fighting off tears. "I mean, would it be worth it?"

"My child, your life couldn't be compared to anything. It might not be happy always but, it is worth it. You're loved by wonderful parents"

I hugged him tight, my tears trickling down, feeling comfortable in his arms as if he was dad. "Thank you so much"

"I love you, Abigail, remember that. I am always here if you ever need my help"

"I won't forget"

He looked me in the eyes and wiped off my tears, "You better go back home now. They're waiting for you"