Sabine skirted around the edge of the forest. In her hand, she could feel the coolness of her bulky, metallic camera that was adorned with complex knobs and controls.

Keenly surveying her surroundings, the young girl took note of a few distinct flora nestled in the forest, their vibrant colors and crisp petals beckoning her closer.

The floral scents calmed her mind and made her quicken her pace.

The cool spring breeze rustled her medium brown locks, as she wondered which plant to add first to her plant species journal for her agricultural class.

Through the light forage, a flaming flower, whose bud was crimson red and roots a burnt orange, caught her eye.

After capturing a plethora of pictures, Sabine continued her trek with a satisfied smile adorning her face, her heart full of creative ambitions.

For the past few days, the plant life in the forest had grown at a wicked pace, surprising even the knowledgeable Sabine. The strange phenomenon only fueled her curiosity, driving her deeper into the heart of the forest.

*Rustle*

Hearing a footsteps behind her, Sabine turned around to see a tall, slim figure draped in mossy robes thag obsured their gender.

Clutching her camera to her chest, Sabine tentatively tried to walk away. However, when she turned around, the figure was in front of her.

“Child of the woods, beware,” the figure’s voice was a whisper on the wind, carrying with it a sense of foreboding. “The forest's voice is too much for mortal body and soul.”

“Are you a forest dweller? Do you know why the forest’s plant life has been strange in recent days?”

The only response to her words was the natural critters and holing of the forest. For the figure had faded before her very eyes.

*Crash*

Sabine’s camera fell to the floor, the mechanical parts entangled entangled with the underbrush, acting as a material reminder to the fantastical encounter.

She took off running as the figure’s warning echoed in her ears.

Despite her best efforts, she seemed to err closer and closer to the depths of the forest as the hushed whispers grew louder, and louder deafening her ears.

Sabine tried to place the sound’s origin; however, her efforts were futile, as the sound seem to come from all directions, pressing in on her.

Goosebumps had appeared down her forearms. The forest had lost its friendly veneer; the tree trunks grew more wildly, more twisted.

Every direction she turned appeared to be the same scenery. The forest appeared occupied by the same thick grey trees that smothered her surroundings and enveloped the sky.

Feeling a heavy weight on her chest, Sabine tried to seize control of her breathing. She could feel her heart beating rapidly out of her chest.

She was breathing, and she was alive.

In the stillness of the forest, she heard the wind's hushed whispers with newfound clarity.

The forest - it was calling her.