Disappear
The couch wrapped her in a comfy embrace. It snuggled against her bare shoulders. With her legs curled beneath her, and her long hair splayed across the armrest, she looked a kitten, peacefully basking in a ray of sun.
The paperback book perched on her knees absorbed her attention. Her eyes gazed directly at the black scribbles. The corners of her mouth flickered, and her forehead scrunched into concern. So slight were the movements that it barely registered as a change.
She knew nothing of her expressions or appearance. Even her surrounding world, the cozy sofa, and the warmly lit room evaded consciousness. She had disappeared into the story, joining the characters in their exciting adventures.
Her own boring life was a memory. A functioning family, acceptable grades, and a suburban home were forgotten. For now, she was a brave heroine. She was the prince’s mysterious love. Saving the kingdom and rocky cave hide-outs were possibilities. Anything could happen, anything would happen, as long as she kept reading.
“Dinner!”
She was forced back into reality, forced out of the comfy couch by the enticing smells of buttered pierogies. As the typical American family assembled around the table, she glanced longingly at the lonely book. It would wait for her return. The story was dependent on all characters, and one was munching pierogies.

