Senseless

Chapter 8

The kids played around and explored their imaginations for what seemed like hours.

As time passed on, the scenery began to revert back to it's original form, the kids began to look like themselves again, and the wisps of smoke trailed off into the sky.

All that was left in the glass jar now, was a pile of ashes.

Everyone was sitting around the table once again, but this time, it was much more quiet.

An occasional word here and there, but for the most part, everyone was silent.

Content smiles took the place on their faces and everyone was perfectly happy.

This, however, lasted only for a moment.

As the children played in their imaginary world, the time in the real world did not cease to move forward.

The hour had grown late and the sun was dipping low on the horizon. Of course, it was not visible from where the children sat now, but they could tell by the bright rays that pierced the clouds overhead.

"Well," Saige said as she collected her things, "that'll be all for today."

There were some, "aw"s, while others gave understanding answers.

Saige emptied out the jar of leave onto the forest floor and put the container back into her bag. She stood up from her seat at the table and turned away to leave.

When she had reached the edge of the odd little clearing, she turned on her heal and said, "Same time tomorrow."

Those still seated at the table nodded and muffled responses of agreement.

The chattering built back up again after the dark haired girl left.

One by one, the children got up and left until there were just a few who remained seated.

Wesley stood up and stretched his legs.

"You ready?" he said.

Avery stood and nodded.

"Do you remember the way, or would you like me to lead you back?" he asked.

"Um.." Avery tried to decide, "I think I'll be alright on my own."

"Okay" Wesley replied with a small grin.

"I'll see ya tomorrow!" Avery called back as she skipped away.

Wesley shook his head chuckling to himself.

Luckily for Avery, she was a quick learner and had quite a memory. She was easily able to navigate her way back to the farm by remembering what had happened at each place she passed.

She first passed the odd little trees, which Wesley had earlier referred to as the Traipen clearing.

Then she crossed the bridge of the three fallen trees.

After that, she came to her least favorite part of her journey, the purple lilies.

Avery frowned as she got to this part. She liked the aroma the lilies gave off, but she didn't like the lilies intent. She almost wished she could smell them without having to deal with the consequences, but she knew this wasn't possible.

Avery continued on her way and passed the nests of the Shomicke birds, who were still singing their hearts out. Their songs were beautiful and almost seemed work in harmony.

After walking a short distance further, Avery came across the pool of Siyel. She remember her bargain that she had made earlier that day and rushed to the water's edge. She looked down into the pool, hoping to find her reflection, but there was no one.

Avery began to panic a little.

What had Siyel been up to? Had she kept her word? Or was it merely a trick?

Avery ran the rest of the way home, slowing down as she got to the forest's edge.

She peered between the trees to see a perfectly content little girl, leaning against the fence posts.

Siyel had stayed there, like Avery asked, but she hadn't done a thing to the garden. It looked exactly the same as Avery had left it.

She grumbled and sprinted back to her section of the field, hoping not to get caught.