Dormanna

A small voice wakes Ellie with a series of warm greetings and identifies itself as a friend from afar.  The unseen speaker asks how she might address Ellie and misinterprets the girl’s response.  Ellie explains that she cannot see her companion in the dark and agrees to wait for the sunrise. 

Ellie’s mother calls her to breakfast.  The girl tells her visitor that she must be off to school, and the little voice asks to join her.  Ellie agrees, assuming the imagined voice will depart before long.

Over breakfast, Ellie tells her mother of her encounter with an imaginary friend. Her mother suggests naming the companion Dormanna, and Ellie approves.

Dormanna announces herself, and Ellie clarifies her name.  Ellie’s mother responds, unaware of Dormanna’s presence.  Mr. Broadwick calls on Ellie’s mother and presents the makings of a meal.  

Gathering her books, Ellie sets off for the bus stop.  Dormanna presents herself on Ellie’s fingertip as a small white smudge with countless flagella.  The tiny creature rises into the air, changes color, and settles in Ellie’s hair.

Mrs. Smith, Ellie’s civics teacher, asks her class about the disparate fortunes of nations. After some coaxing, several students venture answers.  Ellie offers a response on peace and freedom, and Mrs. Smith applauds the effort.

Class ends, and Ellie lingers to speak with Mrs. Smith.  She confesses to receiving her answers from an imaginary friend. Mrs. Smith reassures her that the contributions were original and authentic.

Ellie walks home with Betsy Broadwick. Dormanna encourages Ellie to remember this moment of her childhood, happy and among friends.  The girls pick wildflowers for their parents.

Her dinner finished, Ellie returns to her bedroom.  Dormanna asks that a window be opened so that it might return to its kind, bearing information gathered on its journey alongside Ellie.  

Ellie promises to remember her time with Dormanna as the diminutive creature soars from the house and into the twilit sky. 

From her window, Ellie spots her mother outside pulling petals from a flower.  Ellie’s mother freezes as a dark mass with myriad writhing arms fills the sky.  The otherworldly organism flashes a signal to Ellie, who, together with her mother, remembers the alien encounter for the remainder of their lives.

(c) Matthew Chiarello 2025