I run, my bare feet pounding on the ground. The wind runs through my hair, and I feel the wild brush scratch against me. Sticks and stones pierce my feet, but I'm almost there. A little further and I'll be with them.
I view my surroundings blur past me. It's cloudy, but the last bits of sun shine through the trees. It's almost nightfall and they start to sing. A little longer and I'll see them.
I smell the pine and dirt as my nose runs wild. A new scent washes over me whenever my face hits a new shrub. Leaves, pine needles, branches, pine needles again. An endless cycle of smell after smell, but it doesn't matter. A little further and they'll smell me.
I listen to my position and it's surroundings. The birds are singing, the wolves howling. The distinct sound of running through the forest rings in my ears. Is that a bear I hear? Nonsense, a little further and I start to hear them.
I think about what it's like next. How will I know what to do? I must trust my instinct. I've made it this far, there's no turning back now. A little further and I'll learn my place.
All of my senses collide into one, and slowly fade. My legs begin to float, I start to only see darkness. I start to smell that familiar scent, and my ears tune to the sound of only chirping birds outside. I think harder and harder, making sure not to break my focus. One wrong move and it's all gone.
I feel a new material of blanket wrap around me. A more comfortable bed, and softer pillow. Soon my eyes open and adjust to a foreign sight. Except it's not foreign at all, it's as though I'd spent my whole life there. Everything felt overwhelming, but natural at the same time.
I pinched myself, making sure it wasn't all a dream. I winced in pain, knowing it was all real. My mind was completely different. I had a new understanding of everything. I take a deep breath and look to my door.
As I walk through it and down the stairs, I hear laughter and talking. I steer closer to the sound and soon see them. They all notice me and welcome me with open arms. They smile and say 'welcome back' as if I was only gone a few moments.
I did it.
I reached them.
I see them.
I hear them.
I smell my new atmosphere.
I think to myself.
Anything is possible.
