jump | embry call

7| CONNECTIONS

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.───

The sun was casting a golden hue over the quaint cottage where Angelina's grandmother lived, having gone on a visit with her parents. At four years old, Angelina was a beacon of boundless curiosity, her wide eyes filled with wonder as she ventured into the backyard with an infectious sense of adventure.

'Be careful, Angelina.' her mother called out gently, watching her daughter dart toward the edge of the woods that bordered the property.

The forest, with its towering sentinels of maple and pine, seemed to call to Angelina in a way no playground could. Her small feet carried her across the lush grass until she stood at the forest's edge, her gaze fixated on the veil of trees that seemed to hold endless mysteries.

'Don't go too far, sweetheart.' her father called out from where he was tending to the garden, his voice carrying warmth and a touch of playful authority.

With a cheerful nod, little Angelina ventured into the woods, her parents watching her with fond amusement. What they didn't know was the inexplicable connection their daughter held with the natural world—a connection that seemed to awaken whenever she ventured among the trees.

The woods greeted her like an old friend, the leaves whispering soft melodies in the breeze that danced around her. To Angelina, the forest was alive—a living, breathing entity that resonated with her in ways she couldn't articulate.

She skipped among the trees, feeling an odd tingling sensation in her fingertips—a sensation that felt both exhilarating and comforting. The trees seemed to lean in to listen as she babbled about her day, the birds chirped in delightful symphony, and the rabbits peeked out from behind bushes as if to catch a glimpse of the young girl who held their attention so effortlessly.

Angelina reached out to the smallest rabbit, taking him with ease and plopping it onto her lap with a dimpled smile. The baby rabbit had stayed, feeling comforted in the arms of such innocent creature, and eventually fell asleep to the soft caresses from the human.

The parents exchanged a knowing glance as they observed their daughter from a distance. There was an unspoken understanding between them—a recognition of the inexplicable bond Angelina shared with nature.

'She's not like us, isn't she?' her mother remarked, a sad smile grazing her lips, eyes filled with love as she continued to glance at her daughter.

Her father nodded with a frown on his face, his gaze lingered on Angelina as she giggled in delight, a butterfly fluttering around her in a dance of pure innocence. He had known of her deep connection with Mother Nature, but didn't find any answers to his research on any books.

As Angelina's laughter echoed through the woods, the breeze seemed to carry a gentle reassurance—a whisper that promised to watch over her. Her parents exchanged a silent acknowledgment, an unspoken vow to discover their daughter's unique affinity.

Meanwhile, Angelina's fingers ran along the rabbit's soft fur, a tender touch that seemed to soothe the little creature. It nestled in her lap, finding solace in her soft embrace.

With a sense of awe, her mother approached quietly, a mixture of emotions playing across her face—a mother's love and a tinge of unease, worried about the mystery veiling her daughter's peculiar connection.