1 In The Vast Woods

Run.

Don't turn back now. No matter how heavy my heart feels for this selfish decision that I had to make. My heart is telling me to forget about this and head back, but what I've said and done would have been pointless if I turn around.

It takes every bit of my strength to escape; I am not in my optimal state. My very surrounding is dark but serene. Tall trees block the moonlight making it hard to see. I doubt I would find my way out of these vast woods. It's unrecognizable in the dark.

My bare feet touch the ground, the soft, damp soil after a prolonged afternoon rain. I could still remember the rainbow that formed on the beautiful bright sky. That was only this afternoon. Everyone was laughing, smiling, and dancing, including myself. But that's over now, and here I am about to escape.

The only noise coming from me is my soft, quick panting as I stop on the spot to catch my breath while I try to find familiarity on the path I'm taking. Out of the corner of my eyes, I see something that would lift my spirits.

Fireflies that would light my way. I can't help but smile. To see something beautiful on this sad night, maybe it's not as miserable now.

But only for a quick second, I had that smile and felt my sadness slip away my forehead creases; I know I can't stay in these woods for long. Creatures of the dark may be lurking. The flowers, the trees, and the wind would tell on me. There are many eyes and many ears everywhere. I must be careful not to wake them.

And so I continue running. Getting farther away from the place I once called my home, the people I would call my family, and the life I'd forever treasure. But I have no choice. I have to get us out of here, even if in the process of doing so, I would lose them, I would lose you.

I will come back one day, although I doubt I'd be forgiven after abandoning everything I have. But they would understand my point of view and reasons, I hope so. I'd be back but not alone. I will be bringing it with me.

Relief washes over me, and I let out a breath after finally seeing the cabin I've been looking for. Hope fuels me once again. My feet are aching, and my walking is unsteady. All wobbly, I make my way towards the cabin when I hear a soft voice behind me. I freeze on my spot, but I don't turn around, knowing very well what is behind me.

"Rosetta, what are you doing here so late at night?" in between yawns, a soft voice calls out to me. I break into a cold sweat, unable to let out a word.

Just give it a few seconds, she'll be back to sleep. Just keep completely quiet and stay still. I don't move; I don't speak. Fighting the urge to turn around and look at her, I shut my eyes counting down from ten.

"Hm, hello? Okay, I'm tired...goodnight Rosetta," and then follows soft snoring. I turn my head to see the tiny baby elf sleeping soundly below the thick leaves. Though it's dark, I could see the bright colors of the elves' sleeping nearby. If I hadn't been careful, I could have awoken tons of them.

My attention returns to the cabin; there's not much time to waste. She could have already told them, and they could have sent a search party already.

With trembling hands, I slip the key I've been holding into the keyhole. The old wooden door makes a soft creaking sound as I push it open. I step into the dark cabin, the smell of dust and wood welcomes me. The cold temperature dropped a little, but I was still shivering from the chill. 

My hand feels for the switch on the side, and as I find it, my eyes adjusted to the sudden bright light. But I could see it better now. This cabin has gotten much older since I've been here; some places were slowly rotting.

I approach the small cabin's left corner; every step seems like this wooden floor would fall apart any second. I kneel on the ground feeling for a false piece of wood. When I felt it in my hands, I lifted it. 

There appeared a small box with my mother's name on it. I hold the box in my hands, opening it and pulling out a familiar necklace with a purple gemstone pendant.

And as I held it in my hand, it glowed, and I feel the emotional power surging through me. But as soon as everything seemed to be going in slow motion around me, I hear loud familiar voices calling out my name from a distance, probably waking the entire woods.

They're coming, Rosetta. You have to go now.

A tear slips off my eye as I look around me once again. This could be the last time I'd be in this place, seeing this cabin. If I had other choices, I would not have resulted in this. It breaks my heart knowing that I would be failing them.

I'm sorry.

With the intense beating of my heart and my shaky hands, I wear the necklace around my neck, holding on to the glowing pendant that went warm under my touch. I whisper the same words I have said the time that brought me here.

"Bring me to the place I desire."

I whisper it non-stop with my eyes shut as the voices grow much louder. It pains to hear my name being called out, and I have to hold myself back from responding to them. 

'Until the next time we meet again, my friends, I promise I'll come back.'

And it took only a few moments, and the place I once knew was gone. Who knows what is waiting for me on the other side.