"There exists a secluded forest where the trees whisper secrets to whoever enters. However these secrets come at a cost, as anyone who listens too long becomes trapped in the grove, forever whispering to the next unsuspecting visitor."

I remeber those words said by my grandmother, long ago. I've lost the track of time already.

When I was nothing but a child, this was much of a bedtime story to me, something which would help me sleep under my grandmother's embrace. But once I was an adult, the so-called bedtime story became the sole destination of my life.

I remember that day, it was a freshening and heartwarming morning, enough to raise my spirits. I made my way out of our cottage and headed towards my destination. Mother was apparently upset, but I knew I had to do it.

"The secrets one hears hold the solution for anything in and beyond this world," granny had said. "They speak only truth and guide you to whatever you need."

"Even about bringing the dead?" I had asked as a small girl, who believed in these fantasies.

She had nodded, adjusting her kimono. "Yes Mio, even that."

"I will bring you back granny," was what I said as I left the cottage, embracing the journey ahead. It was not an easy one either, everything was based on rumours and legends. Nothing was certain.

Yet I proceeded, in search of the Whispering Grove.

Days passed, months flew by. My revelation to search for the grove was fading. But then, I came across a remote village.

I reached Midoriiro Zen, late in the evening, the time when the sky was cloudy. I had nowhere to go, hence had to take refuge in someone's residence.

Knocking on the first house in sight, I hoped I would be accomodated for the night. An old woman, probably in her sixties emerged from the hut and looked at me lovingly.

"Yes my dear?" she asked in her withering tone.

"Konbanwa," I greeted her, bowing my head low. "I'm a traveller, moving around the country in search of a grove. I do not have any place to stay for the night. Would you mind accomodating me for tonight? I'll be off by the sunrise."

The old woman smiled, her kimono and hair tied up in a bun reminding me of my granny. "Of course dear, why not? I live alone, so I would love to have someone stay here for some time. Come in daughter."

I smiled as I stepped into the hut. It was small but inviting. Aroma of the burning incense sticks calmed my nerves instantly.

I sat down next to her as she served me some saké. I drunk it happily as she asked me further.

"You spoke of a grove you're searching. What is it about?"

"Oh, it's called the Whispering Grove," I mentioned taking a sip from the cup. "I've heard the grove never lies and that it can tell us anything we desire." Leaning in closer, I said, "Even how to bring someone back from their death."

The old lady nodded, seemingly understanding what I said. "I know that my child, I do."

My mouth fell open and I immediately placed the cup aside. "What do you know about it? Please do tell me! I've been searching for the grove for months yet I've no clue where to look at."

"It's here my daughter," she replied. "A few hours of walk to the south of this village takes you to the grove. But I do not recommend you to-"

"THANK YOU!" I screamed in joy as I immediately got up. "Thank you so much for the information! I'll go right away!"

"Wait my child, I-" Before she could've said any further, I was off, running to my destination. And that is how I ended up here, in the grove. If only I had listened to what she'd wanted to say...

Hurriedly, I arrived at its edge. The grove was massive and equally daunting. It protruded a sinister energy, something which told you not to step inside.

But this was the sole reason for my months of hardwork. I was finally here, at my destination. I would not let myself get deterred from anything anymore.

"Granny, I'll soon bring you back," I had whispered as I entered the grove. It was dark, the night creating a haunting environment inside. It did scare me but never did it halt me.

"The trees will whisper you secrets," granny had said. "All you'll need to do is search around and reach to the tree which appeals you the most. That tree will give you the answers for your questions."

As I moved through the grove, I heard whispers, quiet but vibrating. Some were low, some were loud. Some were almost audible to me. But I knew that I could not let myself get distracted.

"Your mother..." My head turned to the source of the sound. Far ahead, I saw a tree glowing ever so slightly. It was calling out to me, trying to tell me something about my mother.

Would it harm to learn about her as well? I thought not. Without giving a second thought I approached the tree, its silvery glow a stark contrast in the darkness of the night.

"What about my mother?" I asked as I approached the tree.

"Touch me..." the tree whispered. I placed my palm against its bark and saw a memory far too painful and grieving. My mother...she was no more.

Tears ran down my eyes as I fell on my knees. This was painful, very painful. I needed to do something, I had to!

Placing my palm against the tree, I asked, "How can I get my mother back?"

A sudden chill ran down my spine. I could not feel anything, not anymore. I had lost all my senses and lost my sight.

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"I-I don't understand," Susan said looking at her friends, Asuka and Yuki. "What happened to you?"

"I became what you see, the tree."

"We need to go," Yuki said, taking Susan's arm. "NOW!"

"You cannot," the withered old tree whispered. "You made the same mistake as I did. You asked for two answers. Now you'll pay the price."

The three adolescent friends stood still as each one of them lost their senses. Their bodies transforming into something horrifying, a plant of a special kind. The one which would grow into tall whispering trees much like Mio had turned into two centuries ago.