Children of the Forest

"Stepping away from the tree, I stumbled closer to the body. It wore tattered clothing and pollen-dusted shoes. A limp, pale hand rested upon its chest, its slight shoulders limned in dying roses. Closing my eyes, I inhaled a shuddering breath before angling ever closer. My heart stuttered. Dark hair swept across the brows of a wan, sickly face; his long, thick eyelashes rested upon his sallow cheeks, his full lips pressed into a subtle frown. His eyebrows were slightly furrowed, as if frozen in endless concern. I lifted my hand subconsciously, smoothing out the lines of worry. Such unspoken burdens were not fitting upon this ethereal beauty."