I stepped inside the forest, the cool air embracing me, even more earthy and full of delicious scents than the meadow, as the birds settled on branches above, butterflies scattering. I'd thought the path in the trees dark at first, until white globes of glowing light slowly appeared, growing in brightness as I followed the trail, leading the others this time.

I knew this path, the walk to home, recognized each ageless tree, smiled at the antics of the excited songbirds and the ...