A Swamp of a Legend

A girl goes to her grandparents where this supposedly "magical swamp" is.

 

It all started the year I went to visit my grandparents.

“Apparently there’s some sort of old legend there.” Said Kristine.

“Personally I don’t think it’s true.” I said.

“Yeah, but Hannah…you can jump into the swamp that’s behind their house and go to another dimension.” Said Julia.

“You mean like Narnia?” I asked doubtfully.

“Yeah, somewhat.” Said Kristine. I was thinking how stupid it all sounded, and whether or not my grandparents knew about it. I decided to call them.

“Hello?” came my grandmothers soft voice.

“Hi grandma.” I said. “Do you know anything about a swamp in your backyard?” I asked.

“Which one?” she asked chuckling. “Oh dear, there’s so many of them.” She said.

“Oh, well I was talking about the one where supposedly if you jump in it takes you some where else.” I said.

“Uh huh. What kind of books are your mother and father letting you read?” asked my grandmother.

“Nothing unusual grandma, I was just wondering.” I said.

“Oh, well. Your grandfather and I are looking forward to your visit next week.” She said.

“Yeah, me too grandma. See ya then.” I said.

“Ok, bye-bye.” We hung up the phone.

“Hannah, do you have everything?” my mother asked me as I was heading out the door.

“Yes mom.” I said.

“Ok, well we don’t need you getting half way there and realizing you’re forgetting something.” My mom said.  

“Yeah, yeah.” I said. My grandfather and I pulled out of our driveway and headed to his house. 3 hours away. We finally arrived at around 5:30, and grandma had dinner all made. She had made my favorite, Mashed potatoes, Ham, and stuffing.

“So, why the thanksgiving type dinner?” I asked grandma.

“Because I know how much you like it.” She said. It was getting pretty late and I decided to turn in.

“Goodnight.” I said.

“Goodnight sweetheart.” Said grandma and grandpa. I awoke to the smell of breakfast and I started to walk downstairs when I heard my grandma and grandpa talking.

“I think her friends got wind of the swamp out back.” My grandma said.

“Not another one. So do you think she believes them?” My grandpa asked.

“I don’t know.” She said. Well if I didn’t I do now. I thought to myself.

“Good morning.” I said coming down the rest of the stairs.

“Hello.” They said cheerfully.

“Ok, so I’m not gonna lie to you both. I heard your conversation. Is that swamp ordeal real?” I asked.

“Well, it depends. Do you want it to be?” She asked.

“Huh? Not sure I follow.” I said.

“Well, if you believe in it, it is. But if you think it’s stupid, then it won’t happen, and when you jump in you just get filled with muck.” My grandfather said.

“Yuck.” I said. “Well I suppose I could go try it out later today.” I said.

“Ok, but you have to believe it will work.” My grandma said. I finished eating and went for a hike. Sure enough I came across the pond. My grandparents said it would bring me into a parallel universe. So I believed like they said to and closing my eyes and taking a deep breath.

                                   Jumped.