EMILY’S POV
"I really missed this place!" I exclaimed, running toward the open lake. To get to the water's edge, I climbed a large, flat rock jutting from the stream’s bank. With my arms spreading, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp forest air. The soothing sounds of the stream as it flowed over the rocks, as well as the chirping birds and buzzing insects, were like music to my ears.
The serene beauty of this place never ceased to amaze me, no matter how many times I came here before. I often prayed that this place would be preserved and that Old Wood Hill would remain as secluded and peaceful as it is. I wanted it to stay as a place of serenity and nature, untouched by human greed.
After a few minutes of breathing in the fresh air, I turned to Larkin, only to c
