Felix's World// Lee Felix FF// Editing

Chapter One: The Eldridge Forest

I listened to the loud rustling of the bright green leaves as the gentle summer breeze danced through them. It was almost rhythmic. Like Mother nature was dancing to an unknown tune through the treetops. I closed my eyes and took a deep relaxing breath.

I had always been told one thing growing up:

Don't go into the forest.

There was an old tale of it being an ancient mythical forest with many magical creatures dwelling within. I was more convinced it was probably full of wild predators that would tear you limb from limb as soon as you were within their sights.

A song my Mother used to sing to me as a child came to mind as I thought about it. She would style my hair and carry the tune throughout the whole house as she did so:

Don't set foot in the Eldridge Forest, or you're sure for a mighty big fright.

Goblins, and werewolves and elves and witches go on the hunt at night.

They're certain to take you and hide you away, for trespassing into their home.

They're still brooding over a vicious war, that was forgotten by man long ago.

Don't go into the Eldridge Forest, the trees there whisper their tales.

They'll order the creatures to hunt you down now, and surely you will be impaled.

If there's one thing my girl, you take from this tale, it's this one warning that I give.

Don't go into the Eldridge Forest, and you will prosper and live.

I hummed to myself as I listened to the leaves birds and the creaking of old wooden trunks, as the forest spoke to anyone who would listen.

"Y/n!" My long term boyfriend called. I slowly opened my heavy eyelids and sat upright. I looked back towards the cute house and he was holding two plates. "I got you lunch!"

I quickly stood and wiped my backside of the few stray blades of grass that had attached themselves to me. I quickly jogged over and sat at the cute French Bistro style table, on our patio.

"Thank you babe." I smiled at him and began eating the delicious caesar salad he had created for us. I wasn't really one for cooking, but luckily I had fallen for a chef.

"Is it good?" He asked in between mouthfuls of leafy greens and bright red sweet tomatoes. I nodded as I shovelled another fork full into my open, expectant mouth.

"It's so delicious." I picked a bit of chicken out and set it to one side. My boyfriend looked on disapprovingly. "For Mochi!" I protested. Mochi was our adorable shar pei puppy. We hadn't long adopted him and I loved him with all my heart. I didn't even know it was possible to love a dog this much.

Lunch was uneventful and just another simole chore I had completed for the day. I spread the large red and blue picnic blanket over the freshly mowed grass, and laid back down. I began reading my book whilst my faithful boyfriend was concocting new menu items in the kitchen. He wanted to perfect his craft. I didn't mind though, I got to taste test it all when it was done.

"Come here Mochi! Don't run off into the forest!" I warned as he strayed dangerously close to the end of the garden. He lifted his leg and did his business on a tree. Then he trotted back over to me. I couldn't help laughing at his floppy skin jiggling and bouncing. He was practically tripping over it with every step he tried to take.

Evening time came and the air was beginning to cool off. I pulled my cardigan around myself tightly to try and keep warm. I submitted to the cold and decided to call it quits for today. The crisp breeze was refreshing as it gently swirled around me, but it bit at my bare skin a little more than I was able to tolerate.

"Mochi! Time to come in!" I called as I stood up. I gathered my book, glasses and blanket and peered down the garden. I couldn't see him.

"Mochi?" I called. "MOCHI!" My heart immediately lept into my throat, and the head rush I suffered let me know my blood pressure was rising. What if he had wandered off into the forest? I began running down towards the dense undergrowth and suddenly stopped. My feet were glued to the spot. As if some invisible force was in front of me, blocking me from taking another step.

"Are you ok!?" My boyfriend called.

"I can't find Mochi!" I replied desperately.

"He's right here." I span on the spot and rushed back to the house. Mochi was stood staring at me. He tilted his head, looking slightly confused at my erratic actions, and barked. I pressed my hand to my chest, as I my footsteps brought me ever closer to the pair.

"I thought he had run off into the forest!" I took a deep breath and Yoonjun chuckled. I leaned down and picked the small creature up. I cradled him close to me and he wagged his tail furiously. I placed my lips on the top of his small head and made a loud smooching sound. Mochi returned the affection by licking my chin repeatedly. Covering the bottom half of my face in warm slimy saliva.

"Come inside. I've prepared dinner." Yoonjun moved aside and I stepped into the sauna like home. The thick fog on my glasses prevented me from seeing, so I quickly pulled them off, and settled down to enjoy my meal, as Yoonjun double and triple checked the door was locked.

I laid in bed and I was restless. Why couldn't I step into the forest earlier? What was stopping me? Surely it wasn't the silly song my Mom sang to me as a child. Frustration boiled inside me and I rolled over. Yoonjun was asleep. I huffed. Why wasn't I tired?

"Stay there Mochi." I whispered as I crept out of the bedroom. I walked down to the dining room and stood at the French patio doors, staring out at the vast forest. I could see the trees swaying slightly in the gentle wind that had picked up. The dew dropped leaves glittered in the moonlight, like tiny stars, dancing amongst the branches. I felt something graze by my leg and Mochi tapped at the door. He whined slightly and I opened it a crack to allow him through.

"Don't wander far." I called quietly to the cute ball of wrinkly skin. I watched him hop and trot around the garden, sniffing and peeing as he went.

"What are you doing babe?" I felt his warm arms slide around my torso and he pressed his body against me. I placed my hand on one of his slender, but muscular arms.

"I couldn't sleep, and Mochi wanted to go out. Don't worry I'm coming back to bed soon." I murmured.

"OK, don't be too long. It's cold without you." He kissed the back of my neck and slowly parted from me.

"Mochi!" I called quietly. I watched as he danced towards me. I closed the door behind him and locked it. I took one last look at the enormous trees and wondered what secrets the forest really held. No one ever ventured in there these days.

Especially not since the hikers had been attacked by an unknown animal a few years prior. I scooped the tiny puppy up and kissed his small head. He yawned and I carried him back to bed. For now, I would push the forest out of my mind and get some rest. I needed it.

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Word count:1290
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Also... I think I need a Mochi in my life!

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