I am back in the forest. The moon has already appeared while the sun shines its last rays of light. It is peaceful being back, but I know it is not real; I do not spot a single creature and the trees do not swing with the wind.
A familiar scream disturbs the silence. A single scream from the boy, often in my nightmares and dreams. It echoes and suddenly the forest fills with sounds. Guards run towards me and a cage falls from above.
The guards only glance quickly at me to make sure the cage is locked. There is chaos as they run around, yelling words I do not hear. When I look up, I see a helicopter lowering a rope ladder and smoke in the sky.
Smoke? Wait, are they burning up my forest?!
As if my thoughts called them, I see orange flames greedily devouring the beautiful forest.
The guards climb up the rope ladder and the helicopter flies away before the last person is fully inside. They do not look down.
The fire is next to me, surrounding me, but not touching me. The fire slowly heats up the metal cage.
I do not feel this, though my skin turns red and I see sweat glistering. The smoke clings to my throat as I inhale the burning air.
I fall to my knees as I see the forest, my beloved forest, burn down at a quick speed.
Laughter echoes. I try to scream through the sound, but it only gets louder.
Memories flash in my eyes. He tortured them. He wrecked him.
I hear the screams of terror and my voice joins in with them. I cry as my forest burns to ash and the smoke clouds the moon.
My eyes flash open, darting around, checking for guards immediately. When I am certain there is no one there, I sit up against the wall and wrap my arms around my legs.
My back feels clammy despite the cold. Adrenaline runs through my veins as my heart pounds. Did I scream out loud? I hope not.
I feel eyes prickling on my skin and I look up.
The boy looks at me with wide eyes. Guess that means, yes, I did scream.
''Are- Are you okay?'' He asks, breaking the silence my screams had pierced as well.
Was I okay?
No.
But then again, who was?
YOU ARE READING
The Forest Behind Bars
FantasyAvery has been locked up for a long time now. Hurting both mentally and physically. But the arrival of a new prisoner gives her a chance at hope. Hope for escaping and a future. A chance at returning to her beloved forest.
