The Tale of Aurea

02.

Kenopsia

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It all started with

a dozen eggs

as dainty as daisies

dancing in the distant field.

Hatch and hatch.

I can't count how many times

the sky's ball of fire

came and passed by.

And soon each one

peeked through the shell

and saw the world smile

as though sending a warm welcome.

The forest had always been mysterious to me. The light passing through the gaps between leaves on trees. The creatures concealing behind the foliage. Sometimes peeking through the hole of the dead woods. The distinct sounds blending in the air: the birds and insects chirping, the breeze murmuring, the waters crashing against the rocks of a nearby stream. It's a vault of secrets. And all of it fascinated me. It radiated with life.

As I set foot in it, the forest seemed to be whispering. I was barefoot. It felt like I was very close to nature. The dry leaves scraped against my soles. And my ears got used to the sounds it produced.

The feeling of emptiness and desolation dominated upon me, as the gloomy atmosphere of the wilderness devoured my sanity. No emotion of exultation left.

The light that's illuminating my heart, gone; went gray. Everything that surrounded me was void; wilted plants, grasses, and trees.

I walked on the visible trail of the forest, brushing away those ivies and branches that blocked my path, still searching for the purpose that would give my existence enlightenment, as I frowned behind the bushes and followed those black-striped yellow bees. Vague memories fretfully rushed back inside my chaotic sanity.

The morning sun rose to its horizon, golden warm rays kissing my dulled skin. I tilted my head to look up at the sky while the shadow of my dark locks drew against my blued face. I let the summer air embrace me, and again, inscrutable flashbacks surged back into me.

Crickets creaked in chorus and vanquished the silence that reigned throughout the forest. Fertile soil kissed my feet and the tiny pebbles pressed against them. I thread the visible trail, still searching for hope, ignoring the tingling sensation from the twigs I stepped on.

I halted at once, as I leaned against the enormous tree, watching the leaves swaying with the breeze with ease. Those leaves sprouted during spring, reached their limit as they plucked from the branch and scattered in the wind. Perhaps my life was predestined to be doomed as leaves', sprouted from nowhere, aimlessly fell, swayed with the shivering wind.

Still barefooted, I continued on my seemingly unending journey. I caressed my disheveled locks. From afar, the silhouette of numerous structure of the city captured my gaze. The city was ruined, yet my ocean-eyes could not avert to the city even for a second. It seemed that it was a playground for battle. I inhaled sharply; cherishing the oxygen that filled up my lungs.

This was not the epilogue of my forage. Another chapter had to be conquered.

Every morning,