The unicorn is in the garden again, munching on the roses.

“I can’t,” I say. “I’m not ready.”

I follow him down the lane to the edge of the enchanted forest. The pine scent clears my lungs.

The unicorn slips between the trees. One day, soon, I’ll go with him.

Hannah Whiteoak writes speculative fiction to escape the real world. She is working on an animal-themed flash collection. Follow @HannahWhiteoak or visit hannahwhiteoak.me.

Editor: This story is a sequel to Side Effects.