Running through the deserted streets of the city, I felt the darkness and the rain, the kind of fine rain that seems to seep everywhere, even under your skin. I felt lonely, out of place, different, rootless. The rain mingled with the tears on my face as I stopped for a moment to catch my breath. It was futile. The thick, polluted air choked me, burning my throat. Clinging to the railing, I gasped for air. My vision was blurry, but my eyes managed to focus on the silvery reflection of the full moon, shimmering on the tranquil river. That sight brought me some solace. The moon and the water were free. This thought left me with a bittersweet taste. Why couldn't I be free too? A cold shiver ran down my spine, and I tightened the folds of my jacket around me. My light dress offered no protection against the cold, piercing me like thousands of tiny needles.
I definitely did not belong here. Everything felt wrong: the people, the places. My head felt heavy, filled with noise and intrusive thoughts that clouded my clarity. It felt like it was about to burst. I had to leave, get away from this place as soon as possible. So, without warning, I started to run. I didn't take the time to think about the destination. I didn't care; the most important thing was to get away. My bare feet clumsily pounded on the slippery cobblestones. I almost lost my balance several times before finally stabilizing my movements. The air, initially choking me, gradually lightened, flowing more smoothly into my lungs.
I quickened the pace. Under my feet, the ground gradually softened. I left the city for a small path winding through the trees, climbing a gentle and somewhat muddy slope. Drip-drop. Drip-drop. The sound of my footsteps in the puddles enchanted me. I accelerated, intoxicated by speed. I was free, and nothing could stop me. I was the master of my life and had taken control of my destiny. I could go wherever I wished. I had suppressed this desire to break free for too long, for the sake of convenience and fear of disappointment. I had forgotten myself. Now, I promised never to make that mistake again. I would find a place where I felt at home, where people accepted me for who I truly was.
I continued like this until my legs threatened to give way under my weight. I stopped for a moment to breathe deeply. I looked around. I was on top of a hill. In the distance, I could make out the outlines of the city I had just left. I knew with certainty that it was the last time I laid eyes on it, yet I wasn't afraid. For the first time in my life, I felt serene and free. So free! I looked up at the sky. The rain eased the fire on my burning skin. The moon seemed even more beautiful from here. I tilted my head back and screamed with all my might. Then, I burst into uncontrollable laughter.
Kneeling on the damp ground, I slowly regained my composure. Suddenly, a distant cry echoed mine. My heart raced, and adrenaline surged through my body again. Someone or something was calling me. It was an invitation; I was sure of it! Maybe I was just losing my mind, but I decided not to question it. Deep down, I was sure of myself.
Beyond the hill, the path became steeper, leading to the mountains. The stones, harder and sharper, hurt my feet, but nothing could slow me down. I had to reach my destination before dawn at any cost. I felt that if I stopped and the dawn broke, the spell would somehow be broken. Maybe I had read too many fairy tales during my childhood. I had always been a big dreamer, a trait of my personality that had often been criticized vividly. I had been reproached many times for being "in my own world," but I considered it a quality.
I couldn't say how long my frantic run lasted. It was still dark, but I felt the horizon was about to lighten. I hurried even more. It's sometimes difficult to recognize a familiar path in the dark, but I knew I had never been here before. I had never ventured so far out of the city.
I left the steep trail to head towards the valley. For a moment, I wondered if I was going in the right direction. What if I was going the wrong way? As if sensing my hesitation, the voice cried out again. Strangely, it seemed both closer and still distant. But this time, I was certain I was going in the right direction.
The grass tickled the soles of my feet. This softness was more than welcome after the ruggedness of the trail. My tired muscles began to ache, and thirst gnawed at me, but I decided to ignore these signals to focus on my goal.
My progress became slower and more painful, despite the gentle, grassy slope. Nevertheless, my steps led me to the foot of a massive, centuries-old oak tree. The majestic oak sparkled in the moonlight. Its branches, laden with beautiful leaves, were adorned with thousands of water droplets capturing the light of the silver orb, giving the impression that the tree touched the celestial vault and harbored the stars. It was breathtaking beauty, the kind that touched you to the point of bringing tears to your eyes. I approached delicately, extending a respectful hand toward its gnarled trunk. With my fingertips, I caressed the bark. A bright glow suddenly emanated, forcing me to step back. The trunk expanded before my eyes, revealing a door that opened in front of me. On the threshold, I tried to see what was on the other side. Nothing. Just darkness and the voice that called me again and again. Courageously, I took a step forward and plunged into the void.
My fall was brief, and when I opened my eyes, I found myself in a completely different forest. Here, the trees were houses, simple but each more beautiful than the other, connected by walkways nestled at dizzying heights.
In the distance, I thought I saw a wolf running. It turned around, and our eyes met briefly. My heart raced. It was he who had guided me here. There was no doubt.
I walked up to a majestic cherry blossom tree. The house was so high and vast that it resembled a palace.
"A tree palace!" I whispered to myself, marveling.
I saw no one, yet I felt I was being observed. So, I continued on my way and entered the palace.
Two women greeted me with warm smiles before bowing to me.
"Welcome home," one of them murmured.
"She's back!" someone shouted.
I was led to a large hall full of people, and I entered amid thunderous applause.
"Welcome home, Silva Luna!" the queen affectionately exclaimed, rising from her throne.
I watched her closely, breathless from such a welcome. Her golden hair was elegantly braided, adorned with delicate white flowers. Her fine and somewhat authoritative face was illuminated by eyes of a tender green, as soft as the caress of a spring sunbeam. The queen was tall and majestic. She exuded that kind of magnetic beauty, that charisma that I was sure was enough to rally crowds to her cause. She extended a hand toward me. I walked towards her, still intimidated by the hundreds of eyes fixed on me.
Upon reaching the queen, I greeted her with a respectful nod before stumbling out, "I have so many questions..."
"It's normal," she replied, maintaining her benevolent smile. "And I'll answer each one of them. But first, enjoy the celebration! You must be hungry."
In response, my stomach growled, eliciting laughter from the sovereign.
"Come, sit by me." She led me to the nearest table and took her seat, indicating the empty chair to her right. I complied, regretting not having a more decent attire.
As if she had read my thoughts, the queen added, "Don't worry about that. What matters is that you are among us, not what you look like."
Her words reassured me, and I relaxed a bit. My muscles were still tense and sore, but with the first bites of the delicious meal served to me, I immediately felt better.
As the feast continued, the queen spoke to me about their realm, a place where nature and architecture harmoniously coexisted. The houses in the trees, the creatures that lived there, and the magic that permeated everything. It was a world beyond imagination.
As days turned into nights, I learned about my past life, the one I had left behind in the city. I discovered the reasons why I felt out of place, the yearning for a home that matched my true self. The queen, wise and compassionate, guided me through the understanding of my identity.
One day, she took me to the majestic cherry blossom tree, the symbol of their realm. Its branches bore not only beautiful blossoms but also memories of those who had found their way there. With a gentle touch, the queen revealed the stories etched into the bark, stories of longing, transformation, and belonging.
Among the stories, I found my own, intertwined with the magic of the tree. It narrated my journey, the struggles, and the moment I crossed the threshold into this enchanted world. The queen looked at me with a knowing smile, affirming that I had indeed found my place.
In the heart of the tree palace, a grand ceremony was held. I was officially welcomed as one of them, embraced by the community that had longed for my return. The queen bestowed upon me a pendant made from a cherry blossom, a symbol of my connection to this magical realm.
As time passed, I embraced my new life, learning the ways of the enchanted forest and contributing to the vibrant community. I no longer felt rootless, for I had found my place among the tree houses and the creatures that roamed the magical land.
The queen, my guide and mentor, watched over me with pride. She had fulfilled her promise, answering my questions and leading me to a home where I truly belonged. The enchantment of the realm had mended the wounds of my past, and I flourished in the embrace of this extraordinary world.
And so, the tale of Silva Luna continued in the heart of the enchanted forest, where every rustle of leaves and every beam of moonlight told stories of belonging and transformation, echoing through the branches of the magnificent tree palace.
