The Forest

The Forest

I reached the start of the forest just as the sun set over the western horizon. The incandescent golden rays illuminated and contrasted the stunning shades of the vast woodland – a holy sanctuary for a grandiose ecosystem of species. As I looked up, the pretty hues of twilight slowly transitioned into the darkness of the night. Fallen leaves softly crunched in the wet mud as I ambled my way into the greenery.

In the forest, tall ancient redwoods surrounded me. The trees had the air of an imposing gatekeeper, as if at any moment, they would admonish me for trespassing. The petrichor in the forest wafted around as sudden gusts of wind danced between the trees. The sonance of crickets chirping completed the soothing atmosphere bringing a sense of tranquility.

To my left, I spotted a wild deer. A solitary animal, foraging for food. The moonlight reflected its mesmerizing reddish-brown fur. The fierce antlers on its head imposed any predators or hunters endangering its life. Its prominent eyes were as dark as the night sky. I followed the deer as it trotted deeper into the woods.

A stream of water flowed calmly, greeting rocks and stones as it snaked through the maze of trees. I peered into the stream. Below the calm surface of water, a school of small fish – their scales, streaks of silver, scintillating in the moonlight, as they moved back and forth in the water. The forest produced an orchestra, as it played one enchanting tune after the other. The slow rustling of exotic leaves, the hypnotic movement of the school of silver fish, the persistent chirping of crickets, the muffled sound of distant thunder – everything was so synchronized and peaceful. In the moment, I was awestruck.

The vicious sound of thunder brought me back to reality. A warning that a turbulent storm was closing in. I looked up, above the distant canopy, boiling dark grey clouds slowly appeared. In an instant, the calm humming of the winds became roaring howls and screams, as the trees danced with every gust. Without no further warning, the rain pounded down, each drop with the weight of a small stone, soaking me completely within seconds.

While trudging to find shelter, I found a small cave deep in the vast woodland, a few hundred meters from the start of the forest. With no food or water, I prepared myself for a long withering night.