They told me not to look back while I was walking in the woods. They told me not look back, no matter what happened. They told me to walk straight with my head up and stay in one direction as best as I could. They told me it could perfectly imitate whoever you wanted to hear most, but not to reply because it wouldn't be that person, despite how real it sounded. I didn't know why - or even what "it" was - those were just the instructions. You can't question what The Elders say: they know this place better than anyone. The hooded leaders have been here far longer than anyone else.

I stopped walking for a minute to re-braid my copper-coloured hair. The crunching of my dark brown boots against the fallen leaves stopped, and silence fell. That's when I heard someone whispering my name.
"Wyren."
How did it know my name? Although I was tempted to turn around, I remembered The Elders' words. Never turn around, not for any circumstance. I continued walking.
"Wyren."
Louder this time. And closer. It was a sharp and hissy voice, as if a snake was speaking. I kept my eyes in front of me.
"Ignoring people isn't very polite, Wyren."

It sounded like someone was right behind my shoulder. If I turned slightly, I'd be able to see who or what it was...no! The Elders told me not to. No one comes back from the forest when they turn around. I started running.
I could see the waves now, just a few metres ahead of me.
"WYREN, DO NOT IGNORE ME!"
The voice was so loud; I jumped and almost screamed, but instead I sprinted towards the ocean. Bursting out of the woods, I put my hands on my knees and caught my breath. Immediately the voice stopped, and I felt relief wash over me. I walked to the ocean and stared into the water, looking at my reflection. My green eyes both my mother and I had were wide with fear.
I noticed seaweed floating in front of me.
"Oh, right. Seaweed." I'd almost forgotten why The Elders asked me to go to the coast in the first place: to gather seaweed for the village's meals. After collecting the seaweed, I cautiously approached the forest again. Staring at the path in front of me, I began to walk back, as quietly as possible, with seaweed in my rucksack.

I hadn't been walking long when I heard rustling behind me.
"Wyren! It's me, your mother! Are you alright?" My mother's soft, gentle voice was music to my ears.
"Mum! Why're you here?"
And I turned around.