The wind glides through Nadia’s hair as she descends into the clearing, deep within the heart of the forest. She lands lightly on the damp ground, boots sinking slightly into the thick bed of fallen leaves. All around her, the towering pines seem to whisper, swaying with the heavy wind.
She remains perfectly still, scanning the woods with careful eyes. She listens to the creak of the trees and to the rush of the river further off but hears nothing unnatural. No footsteps. No rustling cloaked in intent. Only when she’s certain that she’s alone does she move, weaving her way through the dense woods along a path only her feet remember. The path to momentary peace.
Minutes later, she emerges into the private homestead, where the old rustic cabin waits. It’s worn but welcoming and hidden away in the secluded corner of the deep woods that no one ever goes.
