It felt as though my mind had split in two. One side was anxious, while the other was eager and excited. The two emotions weren't mixed together; they were completely separate.
After running all the way there, I finally reached the entrance to the courtyard, only to find a heavy iron lock hanging on the gate.
Like a warehouse that had been shut up, the gate was wrapped in chains looped around its handles, with a lock the size of a child's fist. It looked incredibly heavy and secure.
Dust had gathered on the chains, and the color had faded from the gate, as if it had weathered the elements for a long time without anyone looking after it.
I looked up at the courtyard wall. I couldn't see the tall trees inside, only the blue sky, white clouds, and the faint light of dawn.
I tugged at the lock and found that the chain was real and the lock was indeed locked. I couldn't help feeling anxious.
This time, my emotions were all in agreement.
I took a couple of steps back and looked around. Then I leaped up and climbed onto the wall.
In an instant, the scenery changed.
There was a huge tree inside the courtyard, its crown rising far above the wall. Its leaves were dense and deep green, like a tree in the middle of summer.
As I clung to the wall, I could feel the distinct difference in temperature on either side of it. It was summer inside the courtyard, but still spring outside. One side was sweltering, while the other was still cool.
I heard cicadas calling without pause, their cries deafening.
Small animals, perhaps squirrels or birds, darted around in the tree, making the leaves sway in circles.
The doors to the