The woods was my childhood friend. It always remained as a nostalgic memory in my heart. Its gentle calling pressed on my heart whenever I felt lonely or stressed. I missed its summer air and sticky pine sap. I missed kneeling next to creeks in search of fairies and frogs, dipping my small hand into the chilly waters trying to capture my imagination between my fingers. The memories were sacred and I treasured them dearly for years.

I never thought the woods would disappear. The woods have always been there and I thought it would never change. But like all things, the wood's bliss came to an end.

The change was subtle. I hardly noticed they had begun cutting trees down until I heard the metal grinding of chainsaws while my window was open. I was heartbroken when my mom told me they were clearing most of the forest for new housing developments. I remembered all my memories spent wandering the forest. I dreamed of vivid stories and believed I owned the forest when I was younger. Although that feeling faded, it subtly had imprinted on my heart. It felt as if they were violating my property when I heard of the clearing.

That day, I sat out on the deck which faced toward the deep forest beyond our backyard. I leaned back against the chair with my legs propped on the steel roundtable. My eyes were distant as I stared deep into the forest. My mind weaving together vivid daydreams of the world I imagined deep in the woods.

Once I believed I was a lost princess. Once I believed I was a clever fox. At one point, I even wanted to become a river mermaid. I would even search for traces of fairies among the fallen leaves and try calling out to the creatures I've only read about. As I got older, I began to feel a presence in the woods though I grew skeptical of it. During my pre-teen years, I stopped going into the woods out of fear my friends would think me strange. But when I reached the final months of my senior year, I realized I was being silly and no longer cared what others thought of my actions. I began to take walks through the woods to relieve myself of stress and search for a tadpole or two in every brook I passed.

My eyes focused on the tangled barb wire fence which ran along the edge of the woods to keep folks safe from animals in the woods. It isn't uncommon to hear wolves at night or a bear to stumble across a hiking trail. Precautions were made in order to keep people safe. But I always thought the animals were suffering on the other side of the fence and felt trapped because of it. It also meant I had to use the special trails instead of creating my own path.

Of course, my parents were thrilled I was being forced to use the marked paths. I always came home coated with mud with a tick or two. Once I tried to make a leaf crown only to discover it was poison ivy and was rushed to the emergency room shortly after.

I breathed in the thick summer air as sunlight warmed my skin. I felt my eyelids droop with drowsiness as I began to sweat. My jean shorts stuck to my legs while my black t-shirt soaked up extra warmth. I rubbed my eyes tiredly as I adjusted my thick ponytail. My dark hair curled naturally in the heat as if it were made for it. My skin drank up the sun's warmth adding to my gentle tan.

Laziness settled as I sat in the burning sun. I felt myself begin to drift as I gazed deep into the vibrant forest. I could taste pine needles in the air. I could breathe in the scent of fresh dirt and wet pebbles. My heart yearned for adventure. 

One last time.

I knew construction was nearing my house and it was moderately dangerous to stray from the path, but I knew I would be responsible and careful. I wasn't one for taking risks anyway.

"Aria, could you come inside?"

I arched my neck to look behind me. Mama stood in the doorway with Kindle in hand. "Why?" I ask sleepily.

"Laundry," she answers. She pauses, noting my sleepy look, "Are you too hot out here? You know it's going to get up to 98 degrees today."

I yawn before straightening my aching back. "I'm just sleepy." I sit up before training my eyes on the barb wire fence which separates me from my childhood fantasies. "I'm a bit sad too, I can't believe they are cutting down the forest," I admit tiredly.

Mama's eyes soften with sympathy. "Yeah, you loved that forest."

"I was wondering if I could take a walk today," I continue hopefully. "One last time before it's gone."

"You know you don't have to ask me to do things anymore," Mama chuckles with a soft smile. "You're an adult now."

I shrug, "Just habits I guess. I don't like making decisions myself anyway." I smile bleakly at her.

Mama nods in agreement. "Yeah, you can go. When are you thinking about going?"

"As soon as possible, I'm not sure how much they've cut down yet." I slowly stand up wiping sweat from my brow. I press my hand on my heated cheek as my head begins to ache from the thick heat. I rub my eyes to ease some of the pain. "Maybe now."

"Alright, just be careful, okay?"

"Okay." I offer her a smile, "I'm always careful. Don't worry."

Mama laughs before nodding. "Yes, I suppose you are." She waves slightly before stepping back inside the air-conditioned house. "Take some water when you go, just in case."

"I will," I answer as I begin to follow her back into the house.

I step into the chilly dining room through the sliding glass door. A wave of relief washes over my aching head. I pass the wooden dining table in the middle of the room and head into the kitchen. I pull out my water bottle out from the cup cabinet and fill it up leaving room to put ice cubes in. 

With that, I slip on my tennis shoes and quickly change into a blue t-shirt instead. I twist my hair up into a bun without using ponytail because of its curliness. I say goodbye to Mama and head outside with water bottle and phone in hand.

I walk down the side of the paved private road past our sparse neighbors. The black tar road glitters under the harsh sun. My eyes glaze over as I stare down the street which wavers with heat. I take deep breaths as the heat grows feeling a bit dizzy if I'm being honest. My jean shorts glue themselves to my legs making it uncomfortable to walk. I take a turn at the second house and walk across the large patch of long grass toward the trail opening.

The barbed wire breaks leaving an open space. The forest looms over the fence, filled with green shadows and rays of golden sun. The buzz of insects fills the air sounding as if the forest itself were humming. The moist air thickens as I draw near the trail beginning. A hot breeze shakes the treetops, rustling loudly overhead. 

I pause at the opening of the trail and stare down the worn dirt path. In the distance, I can hear the faint rumble of construction and shouts of men. I sigh sadly wishing the forest could remain here for a while longer. But like all good things, the forest's life has come to an end. 

With that, I walk past the fence and into my beloved forest for the last time.

The ground was bursting with greenery and life. Rotting tree trunks hide within large bushes and ferns. Sunlight filters through the canopy above casting warbly shadows on the forest floor as the wind continues to blow hot air. The dirt path continues to wind through the trees taking me past familiar sights such as the split oak tree I used to read against and a ring of mushrooms I swore I could summon monsters from when I was seven.

My face flushed with heat, I continue marching through the forest as my feet grow heavier with every step. I take another drink of water as I walk around another tree in the middle of the path. 

As the trail goes on, the forestry grows wilder. Many seemed to forget about this path through the forest since it's not heavily advertised like the others. As I walk down the forest path, the weeds grow wilder and seep onto the path making it hard to walk. The branches grow lower and heavy with leaves it can't bear to hold higher. 

The shadows grow longer as the trees thicken giving the forest an ominous atmosphere. This was the part of the forest I adored. I begin to smile to myself as I continue on allowing my mind to daydream. My heart full of reminiscence as I scan the chaotic treelines, remembering my longing to transform into an animal and run far away from school and life.

My eyelids grow heavier, my head aching more than before. 

I find myself passing by the creek I used to search for river mermaids in. I pause next to the babbling brook and listen to the gentle coarsing of water. The smooth stones allow the water to glide across its surface. The water sparkles clearly as it runs down a small hill. I kneel beside the creek before dipping my hand into its luke-warm water. 

In the corner of my eye, I watch tiny tadpoles scatter in the water before disappearing. I smile to myself as I study a wad of moss clinging to a rock's edge remembering how I believed it was a river mermaid's hair caught in the rock. 

I chuckle to myself wondering if I've always been this sentimental and wanderlustful. It must be because I'm practically an adult. Lately, I've been wishing to turn back time and turn back into a little kid to enjoy the fantasies I chased after. If only I could go back and become an innocent child again, I'd be truly happy with my life.

It's not that I don't like my life, I just wish...

An angered screech scares me from my heat-induced daze. I yelp and jerk back from the water with wide eyes. I whip my head back in fear with my heart hammering inside my chest.

Standing amoung the trees dressed in shadows, a creature glares at me with burning eyes.

Terror causes my body to jolt. I leap to my tired feet before grabbing a nearby stick and holding it up as a weapon.

The creature in the shadows makes a low growl before tilting its head.

"S-Stay back!" I stammer, my voice trembling. Quickly, I leap across the small creek before whipping around with the stick still held out. My eyes glue themselves onto the strange creature in the darkness. I breathe heavily as my heart continues to skip beats. 

To my surprise, the creature slowly draws back from the treeline. It ducks its oddly shaped head and fades back into the forest as if it were never there.

My eyes remain huge as stare at the place it once was. Slowly, I lower the stick as my expression softens. Regret soon hits my stomach like a bus.

Was that...? What was that? Should I have chased it away? What have I done... I scared it.

Though in my defense... it scared me first by growling.

I rub my eyes before taking a deep breath. Wait, what am I thinking? It couldn't have been a creature... maybe it was the trees? I might be hallucinating from heat exhaustion too... My eyes could be playing tricks on me.

"Arias..."

I let out a soft gasp. I look back over my shoulder before my heart jumps.

A tiny wisp of light flickers on the forest floor. 

Holding my breath, my head spins with dizziness as I stare closely at the odd flame of light.

"Ariasss..."

The gentle whisper sounds again. A soft breeze sweeps across my face as if someone were breathing in front of me. 

Black spots dance across my vision as I stare at the tiny flame of light.

"What...?" I whisper back. My mind fuzzy from the swirling heat I feel myself sway. My water bottle and stick fall out of my hands easily. Eyes glazed over in stunned shock, I continue to hold my breath convinced I'm going insane.

"Follow usss..."

I felt a string wrap around my chest, tightening like a noose. A sharp tug causing me to stumble forward as if I were sleepwalking. My legs drag themselves forward, moving on their own accord. I approach the tiny flicker of light with a numbed mind. Sleepiness clouds my mind making it hard to think.

What... what's going... on? Where am I going...?

The tiny light vanishes before appearing a few feet ahead of me. Its tiny wisps act as arms, swaying at its sides and beckoning me forward. A soft giggle echoes through my murky thoughts.

"Arias..."

"I'm coming..." I mumble through my lips. "I'm... coming..."

My eyes slowly close as my feet drag through the thick underbrush. I sway as I walk as I breathe in the heavy smell of leaves and dirt. The babbling of the creek fades away as I follow the dancing lights. 

I... can't...why won't I turn... away?

And the wisps of light took me deep into the forest, further than I was ever willing to go.