I always enjoyed disappearing into these woods when the world became too much. The way the foliage seemed to wrap around me made me feel sheltered and secure. It was quiet, but buzzing just loud enough to remind me there was life hidden in the tall grass and overgrown brush, never alone. The ground shifted and crunched beneath my feet. Layers of autumns from years past creaking their joints for my auditory pleasure as I lumbered with the bark beside me. Beams of sunlight cut through the overhang like spotlights on a stage, illuminating mushrooms and flowers over wise obscured and unnoticed.

I paused a moment when I felt I had walked deep enough and breathed. The air was crisp and filled my lungs in such an inviting way I couldn’t help but smile. I felt the wind blow past me as I took another breath, the forest breathing with me for a moment. The dampness of the earth squished beneath my shoes as I pressed forward once more, returning my awareness to the landmarks I’d memorized. A tree twisted into a knot, a pair of mushrooms far too tall, and a perfectly round clearing just off to my right, a perfect place to stargaze. With one last glance over my shoulder I’d knew I made it out of the woods, and one step into Forgnox. The buzz of the town immediately drowning out the buzz of the creatures now further and further behind me.