Petrol Wonderland

Epilogue

Deep in the woods in a grassy clearing, three figures sat hunched over a child's tea set. Their forms were illuminated by the cool gaze of the moon and the warm glow of a small, plastic lamp set between them.

It was a beautiful night. Soft breeze, clear skies, and most importantly of all: fabulous company.

The Hatter was in marvelously good spirits. His cherry-red lips parted in dainty laughter as he traced the intricate patterns on the surface of the lamp, nodding along to Rabbit's hilarious anecdote. Something about a time he'd once burnt his soup.

Rabbit himself was looking handsome as always. Despite his muddied feet and hands, the rest of his coat was brilliantly white and combed to perfection. He toyed with the opening to yet another chocolate bar, his clumsy paws making it difficult to tear the packaging. Silly Rabbit! If he ate any more of those he'd become rather plump!

Cat was there too, although you wouldn't know if you listened. His tail lay curled around him as he poured out the tea to his friends, lending a casual ear to their stories. Steam wafted up from the tantalizing broth. Cat was never one to make much of a scene, he was quite reserved.

Everything was perfect. Everything from the food to the sweet-lemon tea to the beautiful, moonlit scenery. Perfect.

Everything except Alice.

Alice didn't seem herself. The short, blue dress she was wearing perfectly complemented the aqua colour of her hair and the strawberry tart in her hand oozed a tantalizing crimson. However, she didn't seem happy at all. She eyed the tart like she feared its contents and her attention slipped from the passing conversation between friends. Furthermore, she was shaking like a leaf.

The others weren't too concerned though.

It was natural for Alice to be a little nervous at her first tea party. There were so many different sweets to choose from and sometimes Rabbit could be a little full-on to newcomers, but he meant well. After all, once she'd had some food in her belly they were sure she'd brighten up perfectly! One of the gang, just like them.

The moon smiled on the scene as the three old friends engaged in passing banter and filled Alice in on a few of their most humorous adventures. She tried to return their warmth but it was clear her mind was elsewhere. Her tea was getting cold.

It took some encouragement from her new friends, but eventually, Alice agreed to try the tart. She bit into the crumbling pastry, its inner, blood-red contents dribbling down her chin as she chewed methodically.

Silly Alice! The Hatter handed her a purple handkerchief to clean herself up with and she took it gingerly. That was good. It was a sign she was beginning to trust them. Soon, they'd all go on adventures together and it would be marvelous. Just wonderful.

The Hatter smiled to himself. What a sight Alice was in that dress! He simply couldn't wait to do this again.