The night began to sing. The breeze picked up, stirring the forest leaves. They rustled like a distant voice in the chorus of chirps. Why I went back to the forest, I did not know. I enjoyed the cool night air. If Father found out I was gone, I’ll think of some excuse.
I looked up. I had wandered into the forest. Right away, it felt like I a different world. The air was different. Denser, maybe. Somehow, it felt cramped, like the world was closing in. I never noticed this during the day. Was it because I was now alone? Or did the night change something?
I stopped walking. This was a new feeling. I was awake. A little nervous, but wanting to explore further. I continued to stare into the darkness. I did not move forward. It was like staring into a hole. Or a well. Except I could not see the bottom. I was afraid to dive in.
Looking behind, I saw where I had come from. The cold, pale landscape looked bright compared to the forest, even without the moon light. Dark leaves closed in from up above and all around, framing the landscape like a painting. It was like another hole. Except this one, I was at the bottom, staring up. Or it was a window, and I was looking out. In the center sat the house, atop the hill. The warm dot of light that was the window still flickering. It was like a star. An invitation to follow it towards safety.
I realized I was being a baby. Turning back towards the forest, I shivered. It looked darker now. I couldn’t see what was ahead. Still, I forced myself to continue forward, taking slow steps. I heard a snap and flinched, only to find out I had stepped on something. I heard a strange “ooo ooo” sound, only to remember it was a bird. Each time, I had to calm myself down.
My eyes eventually adjusted to the dark. I saw the web of tree trunks that held up the forest. Now it felt more like a tunnel. Looking back, I couldn’t see the field clearing anymore. Though I could see shards of blue in between the trees. Hints of where I came from.