Sophia's Garden 3

My feet began to adjust to the cold dampness. I was feeling ready to step into the darkness. Suddenly I felt a welcome warmth on my calves, a furry warmth that made me look down in fear even though the sensation was calming. "I am Sophia's friend", said the dog who was smaller than a wolf. "She has sent me to lead you to the Garden". " I really don't need your help" , I said as I looked into the darkness knowing that my garden was less than 60 feet away.
"But look deeper Dear One", said the warm dog. "There are many hidden barriers and steep falls ahead. Walk with me and steady your self at my side".
Sure enough Sophia's dog had given me fair warning. I was surprised to feel a wall that I could neither remember building in my yard, nor see at that moment. My toes were fumbling over sharp stones. Just as I was about to fall the dog guide broke my fall while towing me into a gentle river current. "There is no river in my backyard" I thought. "Why should you care", she whispered. Before I knew what had happened I was in a cedar tree looking down on the river. I had no idea where Dog had gone. I was distracted from thinking further about Dog. Below I saw a ballet of fish. The fish were all sizes and shapes and swam in radiant circles. There were five or seven fish in each circle forming a fish halo. The fish were facing each other and appeared to speak or sing to each other as their gills and lips opened and closed in breathing rhythm.