Lost in the Forest

Chapter 1

By a vast forest stands a tiny farmhouse.

Spring arrives in full splendor. Grass peeks through the soil, and trees sprout emerald branches.

All nature brims with renewed vitality, yet young Hailey in the farmhouse remains gloomy.

A little fresh air will lift your spirits. You should take a walk by the forest, often suggests Hailey's grandmother, the farmhouse's owner.

Lies, Hailey thinks to herself. "No one understands me. No one truly cares."

Chapter 2

Hailey's parents sent her to her grandma's farmhouse because she was always unhappy in the city. She hates the endless stream of cars—engine roars only worsen her headaches. She hates her classmates, whose concern feels like ticking off a checklist.

She doesn't want to deal with them. Not at all.

But does fleeing the city fix anything? Hailey isn't sure.

Day after day, she sits by the window, gazing at distant trees in the forest. She dreams of running toward the rising moon, feet sinking into spongy earth. Warm breezes twirl around her fingers, her dress blooming like convallaria. Then she opens her eyes to cold glass separating her from the woods. Just imagination after all.

Since then, Hailey rarely opens the window anymore.

Chapter 3

One evening, a button pops off Hailey's shirt. She leaves it on the nightstand, planning to sew it back tomorrow.

By morning, the button vanishes, while an evening primrose appears by her pillow. The locked window now sits slightly ajar.

Maybe Grandma came in. Hailey shrugs it off.

Yet the mysteries continue—a missing button today, a lost yarn ball tomorrow. Whimsical little things appear too—berries sometimes, evening primroses others.

To get to the bottom of it, Hailey scatters buttons across the windowsill and waits for nightfall.

Chapter 4

Just before midnight, a teacup-sized fairy climbs through the window and slips into the room.

This is my room! Why are you stealing my things? Hailey jumps out of bed, glaring at the intruder.

I'm not a thief! I just wanted to borrow some materials, the fairy explains, eyes brimming with innocence.

My mom is making my spring clothes, but we ran short of buttons and yarn.

Besides, I always leave gifts! That's not stealing!

Hands on hips, Hailey fumes, "Enough! Get out of my room!"

You're so rude! I take orders from no one! The fairy sticks out its tongue, making a face, and starts making a noisy fuss on the windowsill.

Hailey shouts and dives for the mischievous fairy, only to trip over a flower vine the fairy pulled taut.

Can't even walk straight? You'll never catch me! It flits lightly around the room and, in a blink, springs onto the bookcase.

No one could endure such taunts! Gritting her teeth, Hailey gets up and charges toward the fairy again.

Thud! Another miss. The fairy howls with laughter. Determination ignites in Hailey's eyes. This pest must be evicted!

The chase begins!

Chapter 5

Exhausted, Hailey and the fairy collapse side by side on the bed, catching their breath. So this is what it feels like to run and sweat.

Can I come play with you again tomorrow? The fairy asks wistfully before dawn breaks.

We weren't playing! Hailey feigns anger, though anticipation stirs in her chest. Maybe making friends isn't as hard as she thought.

Late nights, or early dawns. The forest, or the garden. Following the fairy's lead, Hailey learns to embrace the world.

Then comes the call from her parents.

Hearing of Hailey's departure, the fairy disappears, too upset to even say goodbye. Hailey searches the entire farmhouse—no trace of her tiny friend remains.

Hailey, the car's waiting, her parents urge. She wipes away tears, lost and trembling.

Will I really never see you again?

With one last glance at their first meeting place, her eyes catch an evening primrose garland resting on the windowsill.

And there stands the fairy beside it, waving goodbye.