The Path Through the Woods
Ana pulled her sweater tighter against the chilling autumn wind as she walked down the wooded trail. Crunchy leaves in shades of amber, crimson and gold blanketed the path before her. This was her favorite walking route this time of year — especially when she wanted to clear her busy mind.
As Ana wandered deeper into the woods, she noticed one tall oak standing golden among all the evergreens. Its leaves sparkled like coins in the slices of sunlight piercing the canopy. She approached the oak, running her hand along its rugged bark, weathered by time.
Glancing down, Ana noticed a heart carved into the tree trunk with the initials M.T + A.G. The heart’s edges had softened over the years but the letters still appeared crisp. She pictured a young couple pausing here long ago, affirming their love by engraving it into the oak’s sturdy frame. It will have outlived them, Ana thought. Long after we’re gone, the trees remember.
Her reverie was broken by the snapping of a twig nearby. Ana spun around but saw nothing. The woods seemed to hold their breath. Then she detected a slight movement in the brush. Two deer emerged, a doe trailed by her spotted fawn. They stared at Ana as if awaiting her next move.
Ana remained frozen in wonder as the pair stepped daintily across the leafy path and disappeared again into the dense wood. She let out a breath, feeling strangely blessed by the encounter. Glancing back at the engraved oak, she whispered “Thank you” before continuing down the winding trail, the forest alive around her.
