Hiking used to be a time for Tessa to be welcomed into nature, a place where she could rest her troubling thoughts and gain new perspectives. However, things have changed. The forest symphony that was made of humming insects, bursts of chirping birds, and the rustling of leaves from the whispers of the wind didn’t bring her peace like it had before. Tessa took a moment to look up at the pines towering over her like skyscrapers, their leaves varying in rustic reds like the color of her hair and sunset oranges, a mark that fall had arrived. She continued walking on the worn out path that would escort her up the mountain. The same mountain she used to climb with her dad, a place where they could escape to their own world which resided at the peak of the mountain.

At the sound of running water Tessa lifted her eyes and spotted the stream her and her dad would stop to rest. Unconsciously Tessa filled her lungs with the scent of fresh water and rotting moss which turned into an invasion of memories. Tessa could all but see her and her dad playing in the water barefoot with their pants rolled up to the knees as they searched for baby tadpoles. She could also picture her dad sitting on the moss covered boulder that overlooked the stream, enjoying nature and the sound of his child's laughter that swept over the forest. Tessa ignored the sharp pain that struck her heart and continued to move forward to her destination.

As always the trusty path brought her to the peak. She made it. Taking a deep breath Tessa made her way out of the clutter of pines and into the open meadow that looked out over the forest. There were large boulders that hung to the edges of the cliff, one in particular was her and her dad's spot. The best spot for the best view. Slipping off her backpack, Tessa sat down and admired the small hills that were covered with pines going as far as the eye could see. With a shaky smile and a lump in her throat Tessa said the four words that’ve been running through her mind all day, “I miss you dad.”