As soon as I reach the forest edge, I confirm Damien hasn’t followed me. He’s nowhere to be seen, so I do everything to calm my nerves. Mother Safira once taught me that searching my surroundings for three things that catch my eye is a quick way to simmer down potent feelings.
I take in the beauty before me, and don’t recognize any plants. Finding something to catch my eye is challenging. By concentrating, I eventually find a purplish green leaf, a tiny red beetle, and a blue bell-like flower. It eases me a little, but not enough, so I let my mind drift and let my senses free, focusing on one at a time.
I begin by concentrating on the first thing I notice in this world: the humidity from the newly harvested fields. It’s stronger here between the trees. Sweat pours down my face like I’m o
