7

I browsed a few more shops, before stopping to rest for a bit. I sat down on a long bench at a worn but sturdy, wooden table. Others were at this table as well, relaxing, eating, multiple conversations going on. I meant to keep to myself and quietly eat the loaf of bread, but almost as soon as I took a seat, I was invited into the conversation. The topic was switched to me, the people excited to be speaking with someone from elsewhere. The question of where I had come from frightened me. My answer could dissolve my lie of being a traveler. I was as honest as I could be. I said I had come from just outside the start of the forest, and in regards to my life in this world, that is true. A look of mild concern appeared on their faces. “You don’t often get into altercations with the beings there?”, “Isn’t the forest dangerous?”, “You aren’t scared?” These questions sent a wave of relief and fear over me. What I had experienced in the forest was considered normal and expected of the place to these people, when I had felt it to be completely unknown and fearsome. I did not feel safer, but comforted. These questions made me uneasy because my answers could reveal my true identity.

5

I set off again this morning, turning my head wearily towards the shelf before opening the door. The daylight gave me just a touch more courage than I’d had the previous night. Despite that, I did not have a decision to make. Bringing myself to inspect the shelf is currently out of the question. I know that avoiding it does not change its potential state, I just want to hold onto the comfort of finding “safe” shelter for a little bit longer.

     For the first time since I found this home, I dared venture past it. The trees continued on, but not as deeply as they had upon entering. They stopped at a large field where, from a distance, I’d noticed signs of civilization. Small buildings next to and facing each other, a very faint smell of food cooking. Sweet, soft noises, convincing me of the safety this place seemed to offer. All of these things relieved the tiredness in my feet and carried my through the field, and into town.

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