Mysterious adventures in the shadow of trees

Chapter 11: Cottage

-Sofia-

I continued walking mindlessly until something crossed my mind.

Know-it-all: Can you just name what it is already? I'm lost.

Me: You're sometimes annoying, you know that?

It looked like a little house. A cottage.

Someone must be here!

Based on my messed-up vision, it seemed like only one person lived here as there was

one chair out in front. It was made of wood. Or bark. Or sticks.

Yes, I'm still going crazy with confusion.

Anyway, what I was trying to get to was that the chair was made of material that could be

found out in the woods. Here!

There weren't any windows, but I wouldn't know where to find glass out here anyway.

I wonder how long this mysterious person has lived on their own out here! Where are

they?

There was an intricate design of a wreath made out of fallen leaves.

Man, this person must've planned this out nicely! Will they be out here for long? This is

not just a one-day trip. I mean, why would someone spend — I don't know — hours building this, stay for a few hours, and leave?

The overall structure of the cottage wasn't high either. Maybe six and a half feet tall?

That must mean the person who lives here is around my height! Maybe we can be friends!

I wonder if I even know who that person is! Who knows? This person could be one of my classmates who wants some alone time! I should go say 'hi'!

The door was made of wood, but there wasn't a doorbell.

Know-it-all: Why would there be one? How would someone make one with leaves and

sticks?

Me: It's not impossible. I'm not sure if you've seen this masterpiece, but this person has

some secret talent that I need to borrow for at least until I get home!

I knocked instead.

I waited.

One second.

Twenty.

Many breaths later.

No answer.

The person might not be home at this moment. They could be out there having wild

adventures and exercising their talent.

However, my heart sat down after running for such a long time. There was hope. This

house looked freshly made, probably within two weeks. There was a bowl of berries, still wet from washing.

This person could ultimately be my hero, and I wasn't sure if she knew she wasn't alone

in this forest.

Therefore, I decided to open up my bag and leave a loaf of bread at the door. However, while doing that, my eyes darted to my right.

That must mean something, right?

I focused and saw a random notepad and pen at the front door.

I should write a note.

I picked up the pen.

...

I put it back down.

Wait, what if this person gets freaked out?

Know-it-all: Are you seriously contemplating this right now when this could be your only

chance of survival? You miss humans, too, right?

Me: I guess you have a point.

I began to write:

Hi there!

My name is Sofia, and I came here to look for my dad's wallet but got lost. I'm not sure

how many days and nights have passed as I feel like my thoughts are becoming more and more disruptive.

Can you please help me?

Best,

Sofia

I put the note underneath the bread so that the wind wouldn't blow it away but made sure

it could still peek through from the bottom.