Evergreen Hollow was a peculiar town with the secrets of a deep forest that few dared enter after sundown. It was said that there were strange voices in the woods that came as whispers, which many chose to ignore. While most dismissed these as stories, Ava and her best friend Lucas wanted to investigate these whispers for themselves.
One day, just before dusk, Lucas and Ava headed into the woods with the intention of uncovering the mystery of the repeating whispers. “I don’t know why people seem so scared of this place, it is just trees, right?” he said, hoping to sound more courageous than he actually was. As they moved deeper, a whisper floated along with the light breeze sounding almost like a voice calling out. Ava’s heart sank.
“Did you hear that?”
“Maybe it is just the wind or your overactive imagination,” Lucas responded, not helping the situation. However, he did appear to be thinking something similar.
“Help us…” was the reply that floated back, far away but clearer than before.
Ava knew they were not alone and responded “Who’s there?”
Leaves began to rustle in the wind, revealing an old, decayed tree engraved with bizarre writings that seemed to be ancient. To their surprise, a soft golden light filtered through the tree. “Shimmering magic ashes?” she scoffed. “This is surely too much to comprehend.”
“Free us,” one spirit who appeared to be wrapped in packages of amber cried. Lucas gushed, “This truly is wonderous,” as he edged closer to the curious sight.
Ava and Lucas swiftly pulled away the thick resin that contained the spirits. The forest seemed to inhale deeply as they released the final spirit. The trees shifted softly and the whispers of the forest transformed into a tranquil humming sound.
With great astonishment, Ava and Lucas witnessed the spirits rising into the night sky where their bodies illuminated and blended with the stars. The aura encircling them felt like electricity, and the forest appeared to be bursting with life.
Lucas whispered, “We truly did it.”
The spirits golden surroundings began to dim, and a sudden gentle breeze made its way through the area. Strong enough to be felt by both Ava and Lucas. Their surroundings transformed as the trees that were once covered in shadow lightened, casting a soft glow while being filled with traces of magic. Fireflies flew around in the newfound freedom, swirling over their heads.
Ava gave a thought. “Who do you reckon the spirits were?” They began heading back towards the town.
“Perhaps they are the guardians of the forest? Or maybe they’re lost souls? Either way, they are free,” Lucas replied with a shrug.
As they moved closer to where the woods ended, Ava spotted something peculiar. Her locket necklace, that she always wore, was glowing softly.
She opened it and found a minute golden leaf lying inside, shining under the moonlight.
“I think they left us a gift,” she stated in wonder.
Lucas raised his hand, and in a similar fashion, a leaf had materialized in his palm. “They wanted us to remember them,” he said.
Both stood in silence, processing what had just taken place. To the citizens of Evergreen Hollow, the story of the Whispering Trees would never be known, but for Ava and Lucas, the truth was evident. And knowing it, there were so many secrets buried within the forest, secrets that only those who cared to listen would know.
The two of them emerged from the woods, and with it, one last whisper covered in warmth and appreciation blew along with the wind. The forest had, at last, been at peace, and for the first time in years.
