She did not see the danger in the wilderness. At least, not the wilderness of her backyard. Nevertheless, she did not concern herself with mere nuisances like her lack of shoes or warm clothing-despite the chill in the air. She kept on, reaching the edge of the flat land of her backyard. She raised her eyes up, appraising the sturdy trees looming in the sky before her. Without a second thought, she stepped into the forest.

  The air seemed to shift after her first step into the vast home of life. It was alive, pushing her one way and pulling another. She succumbed, walking in circles, back and forth, back and forth. The forest took on a glow, still silent in an unnatural way. She was enchanted by her forest and gazed lovingly at the nature surrounding her. Her heart pulsed in time with the sway of the trees, still moving forward.

  Her feet faltered as she reached the shadows of the forest. The trees stretched endlessly, reaching, grabbing for the sky, begging for escape. Their branches bare, not yet blooming. The pull came stronger. She contemplated-for the first time that night-the sanity in wandering through her beloved forest. She shook her head; nothing would happen. Her forest wouldn't allow it.

  She trudged on, the chilling air scratching her skin in passing. Clouds blocked out the natural lights in the sky.
  She felt all sensations abruptly stop. She glanced around, noticing a tree she never laid eyes upon before. Curious, she inched closer, placing her hand on the smooth bark. It tickled her skin, and she felt a shift of recognition within. She dragged her fingers around the tree, walking in a slow circle. She hesitated when she saw one gnarled root bulging from the ground. Enchanted, she walked on the thick root, arms stretched out, seeking balance.

  The root thinned and she looked up. She paused, shocked at what she saw.