The Forest Behind Bars

Chapter XVI: Lullaby of the forest

I run faster than I ran in a long time, but while I am unarmed, they are not. Gunshots echo through my forest.

Pain erupts down my arm and I clench my teeth to keep from screaming out more.

More shouts, more gunshots.

I trip over a small tree trunk in my haste to get away from them. I hurriedly scramble back up and resume running, but I lost precious seconds and they are gaining on me.

I hear more gunshots and my body shocks forward by the blow of another bullet. This time it hits my leg. They must be getting closer if the bullet impacts me like that.

I keep running on my leg, which now explodes in pain with every step. I can't keep going much longer.

The smell of my blood blends together with the earthy tones of the forest.

My head rings from the gunshots. Are they still firing?

The forest seems to spin around as I wheeze for more air.

Can't stop. I have to go to Aster.

I said it would be okay, only now do I taste the lies on my tongue, or is it blood?

I trip over a tree root and fall down. Adrenaline softens the pain slightly.

My breath comes out heavily and I can't find the energy to get up.

While I am lying on the soft forest floor, I notice how the trees gradually lose its focus, creating a blur of colors and shapes.

I feel death materialize next to me. This time he remains quiet, but I can feel his invisible presence.

I hear the guards stomping aggressively on the ground, angry that they lost me. They can't go back without me, though, so they will keep searching.

The steps come closer to where I lay. I have to get up.

I push myself up on my arms; they strain with my weight and collapse.

I try again, fear and adrenaline softening the sharp edges of pain.

Truth hits me as I crumble down again; I'm not going to make it.

I'm going to die. Death's presence should have said enough, but I truly believed I could make it.

I am saddened to leave my life behind and everything I will never experience again. I'm sad that I will never gossip with Sivelle over tea again. Or race with Cayden through the forest, even though he has already died.

And I can never tell Aster about the other constellations. At least he will be safe with Sivelle in my home. Perhaps she can teach him.

Like the flower, he will grow and learn to live where others can't. He will survive and adapt.

With my last remaining energy, I roll over so my back lies against the soft moss covering the ground.

I look up, past the leaves hanging down from the trees, to the grey blue sky filled with clouds. The color of his eyes.

I'm sorry I can't live anymore, my love. I'm going to have to break that promise. I love you.

Ferns swiftly grow around me, sheltering my body from the sight of anyone who passes by, which would be the guards, searching for me.

The forest protects her own. As I once came from the forest, I will return to it.

I am finally home. While letting out a breath, my body relaxes and my eyes close.

I can hear the birds singing in the trees again.