There was nothing but trees. The sun was shining, slicing through the branches and leaves. It lightly hit and reflected onto the ground, creating small yellow circles that illuminated sticks and small stones. What seemed to be white particles floated through the air and were only visible within the rays of sun. They fell gently and slowly towards the soil-based ground. The river I sat in front of moved rapidly. The shallow water crashed into pebbles that were spread out. Across the river were more trees. As I looked further ahead, the trees began to fade and disintegrate into the mist.
A small gust of wind passed causing the trees to sway. The leaves of each individual tree vigorously rubbed against each other, and created sounds that were similar to ocean waves. I shut my eyes, took a deep breath, and let the soft, comforting sounds enter my ears as I breathed out. The smell filled my nose with cold air. The scent of leaves and dirt overpowered the rest. It was bitter and strong. It was humid, but cool. My fingers felt moist as I ran them through my hair, detangling strands.
I crouched on a rock and squinted into the distance. Behind me stood an empty wooden house. The balcony stretched out to the river, casting a shadow over it. I situated myself onto the rock and brought my knees up and rested them against my chest. My notebook lay on them and every now and then, I leaned my chin onto it and close my eyes. I listened to the sounds of the river and the crickets. The wind entered through one ear and made its way discretely out through the other.
I dipped my toe lightly into the river, letting the water rush around it. The cool feeling was relieving. It reminded me that I was alive—that I was breathing. I let more of my foot enter the icy water. It sent shivers up my body, causing the hairs on the back of my arms and neck to stand. The temperature of the water nipped at my foot and made it feel numb. I pulled it out and rested it back on