Chapter 27 Soraya

The landscape looked the same, everywhere I turned. The same huge trees with trunks so thick that they needed lots of people to hold hands around them.

They were beautiful trees though, growing as high as the sky with a canopy almost dense enough to block out the sun. There were some patches of sun though, which I spared a few extra minutes in those patches to soak up some warmth.

But that’s all there was, these beautiful old trees. The apple trees I hoped for never materialized.

There were tons of shrubs in this spot with some beautiful red and blue berries. I saw birds and even some squirrels munching on them, so I crossed my fingers and hoped they were not poisonous to humans.

Thank goodness I loaded up on them days ago. They’ve been my only sustenance.

I used the bag from the safehouse that I thought might come in handy later. I never thought for an instant that it might be a life saver.

That was one of my better decisions. That bag held a ton of berries. The front pocket of my backpack held the mushrooms I found growing beneath these monstrous trees.

Good thing I harvested what I did, because of the cold snap a couple of days ago, what was left shriveled up. I picked them anyway, because beggars can’t be choosers.

I was thankful for what I had, but my stomach complained for something more.

How I wished for Ori right now. She’d hunt and get us a big fat deer or something that would sustain us for days and days.

Still, I trudged on, keeping the river on my right, the setting sun on my left.

The moon rose to the east, illuminating the starry skies.

I wish I knew the stars. The North Star was up there somewhere, but my brain registered a bunch of bright stars in the north.

I had to find the big dipper, that much I knew. That would point me north. For right now, though, the river was enough of a guide.

That and I had a constant supply of fresh water.

But I was starting to get tired, each step became more and more of an effort.

Why was I this tired so early? The moon barely rose above the horizon.

I needed to keep moving.

My head felt fuzzy. Maybe I was just hungry.

I ate a few berries. I felt better in a few minutes, nothing was wrong and everything was right.

The tree to my left had moss on the ground beneath it. It looked so soft.

I ran my hand over it and smiled. So so soft.  So inviting.

Maybe a little nap. Just for a little bit.

Just until the moon rises and then I can see in the dark.

Oh wait, it’s not the full moon yet.

That’s next week. She’ll be so big and pretty. Pretty moon. I wish I could touch it.

I reached into the berry bag. The berries all smooshed and were really juicy.

Nice and sweet though.

I’ll just have a little bit more.

They go down so easy.

Not like the mushrooms. They were kinda dry and icky.

But I had to eat what I had. Nothing goes to waste. Ever, the Matron always said.

I sighed dreamily. The Matron. She loved me.

“I love her too! I love feeling love.”

I reached into the bag again. Just a bit more.

I leaned back against the tree. My head lolled off to the side. Yep. It was time to sleep. The trees looked blurry and there were more of them.

Pretty trees.

I should hug one.

But they’re soooo big.

Too big for my little arms.

Is that a bunny?

“Cute bunny. Come here bunny bunny. Oh no, don’t hop away. I won’t eat you I promise.”

I fell back against the tree.

Ori. I really need you right now. We need meat. Your favorite.

Tears rolled down my cheeks.

I missed my wolf.

“Oh! Lightning bugs! They’re so pretty. Flashing. Beep. Beep. Beep.” I whooped as I tried to catch some. “Oh, come on. Fly a little closer. I won’t hurt you.”

“Won’t hurt…”

“Wo…”

My chin dipped, but I shook myself awake. Too early to sleep.

A few more berries and then I’d be good.

“Mmhmm. So good.” I muttered with my mouth full of the juicy goodness.

The lightning bugs got bigger, swirling around me. It was like faery dust in the forest.

They bounced above my head, just out of reach… their little wings beating to a rhythm.

“Dum. Dum. Dum. Boop. Dum.” I sang and got up to dance to their music.

The ground tilted on me though. Smaller steps.

I tiptoed around the huge tree, my fingers scaling the rough bark.

They seemed to appreciate that. Their numbers grew and their song grew louder. Inviting me to dance even faster.

The music thrummed through me, lifting me to a higher plane. Warmth filled me as the crescendo grew louder and louder.

I hopped from one foot to the other, crouching low then jumping high trying to reach the branches just above my head.

“Bring me up there, little bugs. Help me fly up the tree so I can sleep there tonight.”

“Pleeeeeassssssssse.”

I closed my eyes while my toes tapped the ground, the music was perfect for the rising moon.

“LUNA. I LOVE YOU.”

I felt sad that she didn’t answer me. She never answered me.

Maybe I needed to dance more.

Circles.

Luna is round!

“She LOVES circles.”

I turned in a circle, my arms spread out. Then I spun to the bugs.

The pretty bugs throwing rainbow faery dust.

They swooped and looped, leaving trails of their pretty confetti.

Maybe I shouldn’t spin.

My head hurts now.

The pounding was in my head now.

I sank to my knees, then curled up on my side, hugging my knees beside the big tree.

I closed my eyes. Just for a minute.

“Only a minute. I promise pretty buggies.”