The Forest of Aisling: Dream of the Shapeshifter (The Willow Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

it, but… come to think of it; I love any hotel room–something
exciting about going away and staying somewhere new and different.  When
we opened the doors I was pleasantly surprised.  The place was
charming.  It was a large room with two queen-sized beds covered in
emerald green and red plaid comforters with red flannel pillows.  In the
corner sat a table and chairs with a lamp and lampshade matching the
comforters.  One painting hanging on the wall was of the gorgeous Irish
coastline, and another was of the town of Killarney.  Sliding glass doors
opened onto a quaint little balcony with another table and chairs. 
    “Not too bad, eh?” asked Dad as he looked around
the room.
    “I love it. Is that the town right over there?” I
asked, pointing out the window.
    “Yep, sure is. Let’s get a bite to eat and then
have a look around. Sound good?”
    “Perfect.” I felt excited at the idea of exploring
the town of my father’s childhood.  We decided to eat at the little diner
at the hotel with Dad promising me that we’d step it up the next day and
experience more authentic Irish cuisine. 
    Later, we strolled along the winding streets of
Killarney, laughing and joking with each other.  It felt wonderful. 
Lately Dad and I had kind of drifted apart. I guess because I was getting older
and he was busy with his landscape company. 
    He pointed out some of the town’s historic places
and we even went into a few of the shops – something Dad was never a fan of,
shopping.  We then went to a pub where he had a beer and I had a cup of
tea.  The atmosphere was rich with people from all over the world and
their different accents and free-flying conversations.  The sense of
happiness was contagious and I even saw it on Dad’s face.  A smile crossed
his lips that hadn’t been there for a long time. 
    When we stepped outside, the weather had changed
to cloudy skies with cold drizzling rain.  I pulled up my hood and
shivered at the sudden drop in temperature.  Dad suggested that we call it
a day and turn in early because tomorrow would be busy.  Part of me wanted
to hang out in town but my sense of comfort overtook my sense of fun, so I
agreed.
     
    The next morning I woke up hungry and full of
energy.  I watched Dad sleeping and quietly rolled out of bed, slipping in
between the two curtains covering the balcony window and opening the sliding
door. I had to make sure I hadn’t dreamed everything and wanted to see if we
were still in Ireland.
     Looking out on the street I saw groups of
people rushing about.  Walking, riding bikes, jogging, they all looked so
happy.  Dad had told me that Killarney was a big tourist destination, so
that explained the happiness all around; plus, the very nature of this country
seemed one of joy.
     When
I spoke to Mom the day before, she asked for my thoughts on Ireland…it was just
too difficult to put into words.  The place was beyond beautiful; it truly
was like nothing I’d ever seen before.  We’d traveled around the western
United States a lot and I always thought it had the most beautiful scenery but
now, being here, it was just so different. The old buildings, the small-town
feel, and the almost melodic sound of Irish voices had me a experiencing a most
welcome form of culture shock.  It not only felt different, and sounded
different, it even smelled different. The aroma of flowers and other plant life
transported me back to the Botanic Gardens near our home with its huge array of
plant life. Plus the air itself felt soft and damp – not wet, just soft, unlike
the dry air at home.
    “I sure hope that’s you there behind those curtains,
Willow,” grumbled Dad.
    “Nobody here but us leprechauns,” I laughed,
trying out my pitiful Irish brogue, peeking in between the drapes.
    “Well, ya best have brought me a pot of gold
then,” Dad replied, in perfect Irish rhythm.
    I laughed and jumped out from behind the curtain
and plopped on his bed.