She was instantly mesmerized. The rush of water drowned out her heavy breathing; she took a step closer. This waterfall, hidden in plain sight, was the most beautiful thing Elena had ever seen.
The rush of the stream as it flew out and over the cliff side had her staring wide eyed. Oh how she longed to touch.
She managed to tear her eyes from the gushing streams long enough to jump down from the edge and run to the pooling water below. The mist from the waterfall showered over her like rain, causing small rainbows to form around her.
She practically threw off her shoes before she stepped into the shallow stream. The lightest touch sent ripples across the pond, silver fish streaking away. The cold water bent around Elena's foot and splashed up her leg; she shivered softly and rubbed her arms.
A stick splashing into the water brought her attention back to the phenomenon next to her. She attempted to look to the top, her neck craning all the way back before the sun caught in her eyes and she hissed.
It was huge. The crystal water cascading down from the cliffs above reached heights tall enough to rival the new apartment complex downtown. It pounded down on the rocks below and splashed outwards, thoroughly soaking them and Elena along with it.
She wanted to run her fingers through it so badly, but each drop pulsed with its sheer strength.
It was intimidating, and next to it, she felt tiny.
Elena had always been rather tall for her age. Too tall some had said. Now, however, she felt as small as a pebble, not capable of anything other than getting pushed around by the stream.
So, she sat down on the bank and listened to the water grumble as it ran. She was quiet. Calm. Thinking. Reflecting. Everything that had happened today, in her life. School, friends, bullies, she tried to put it behind her.
She closed her eyes. The sounds of the waterfall faded into the background, becoming a soft hum; It helped her think. She didn't need to be so uptight with herself.
Ever since day one she felt as though she needed to fit in with society, but the best way to do this was just to be herself. Not just go with the flow, but to leave a mark. Like the waterfall, carving its way through the forest with a nameless authority.
She had no weights, no limits. She could pave her own path. She was free.
As she walked down the soddened trail back to the campgrounds, she grinned. The forest spoke in soft whispers as she weaved in and out of trees. The waterfall was now far behind, its now friendly rapids muted and serene.
It was quiet. Elena was quiet. Elena was calm. And Elena was inspired.
