It was a dark and warm night in the sleeping city of Gumdrops, and all was calm.

The scent that clung to the air was reminiscent of honey and vanilla, and the sky was clear of all pollutants of the day.

Sleep was spread thickly across the minds of dreamers like creamy butterscotch, but inside the Mint household there was one who seemed to be immune to the candied spell.

Inside, as silent as a field mouse, was a young girl hunched under a window. She looked at the half moon as if it would never rise to the center of the sky, and slowly crept up; only the top of her head visible to those on the opposite end of the window.

The coast was clear. The girl was tempted to let a sigh of relief escape from her ample lips, but she knew her task was not yet complete. Carefully, she lifted the latch that was guarding her one escape route to the outside universe.

All went smoothly, just as planned. There were no unappealing squeaks, or creaking. Now she could release her relieved sigh.

Swiftly, as fast as her spindly legs could carry her, the young girl by the name of Lollipop Mint ran for all salvation.

The wind smelling of wonderful treats held no appeal to her. Lollipop Mint had only one thing in mind, and that was freedom. Even if that said freedom only lasted for a minuscule moment, she would gladly risk all her youth for a single drop of it.

She set her sights on the ominous hill that was shadowed by drifting clouds which hinted at a rainstorm, and ran straight at it.

With the night cloaking her figure, she arrived at her planned destination. Cautiously her slim hand reached out and rapped softly on the door of a large cottage.

It was a humble home that was placed under the twisted arms of a Lemon Oak tree, and if it weren't for the glowing warmth escaping from the cracks of the cottage, one would have thought it to look inauspicious.

Finally after what felt like a lifetime, the door creaked open. The fragrance of fresh cinnamon bread rushed out towards the shining face of Lollipop Mint as she treaded softly into the home.

The face that met hers was a little less than shining. A tall youth stood towering over her with a solemn fixed gaze on the guest.

He looked her over, scanning her brightly colored striped taffeta dress. After a moment he spoke. “You can't go out into the real world dressed like Alice From Wonderland.” he mumbled.

The young girl raised an eyebrow. “Who's Alice? And what's Wonderland?”

As a reply he sighed and shook his head. He'd inwardly punched himself for letting a reference like that slip out. Having her ask more questions was a certain recipe for deep disaster.

“Look, you can borrow some of Eve's old clothes for tonight, but I'll have to buy clothes later.” he said while shuffling towards an old wooden chest. He fumbled around until his hands wrapped around the specific fabric he was searching for. “I know these might be a little outdated, but I think they should fit you.”

With eyes as wide as the full moon, Lollipop seized the clothes. “Wow, is this the kinda stuff they wear outside?” she scanned over the faded clothing with sheer curiosity and amazement. “I've never seen colors like these on clothes! Thank you so much Col!”

He only nodded and indicated towards a back room where Lollipop could change in privacy. Once she was gone he sat down and thought about the consequences of what he was about to do. Taking a citizen that wasn't a member of the Head Council outside of the “World” was strictly prohibited, and the punishment was beyond hell. However, Lollipop was a different case. She, unlike anyone else, had dared to ask questions. She, unlike anyone else, KNEW there was a whole different society besides her own. She, unlike anyone else, was willing to admit that she wanted out.

What was he to say to a request for deeper knowledge? No? The Head Council was already taking note of her and all her actions indicating that she was a harm to the balance of the society. If she continued at the rate she was going inside the community, spreading new thoughts and seeds of 'what ifs' they were surely going to silence her. Col shuddered at the thought of what they might do to her. His father had once told him stories of town citizens that asked to many questions, or tried to escape. None of the endings to the stories seemed too bright.

His knuckles dug into his temples. No matter what, he would do all in his power to get her outside, and away from the senile and sour community. Somewhere safe. Somewhere where she could thrive and learn about the world. Someone like Lollipop Mint was not meant to be caged inside a box.

Lollipop has no idea what Alice in Wonderland is, nor does she know anything about classic stories.

In the town of Gumdrops they have a strict color law that prevents them from wearing darker colors.