The Forest Dream

A Short-Short Story.

The sound of tormented bellowing from an unknown creature awakens me. Yawning, I put on my glasses and shoes then begin the groggy exit of my tent. Now upright, clearheaded, and able to take in my surroundings, I get a better listen to the screeching that alerted me. I stagger cautiously through the otherwise empty forest in search of the sound’s source. I come to the realization that the sound is that of a human in pain, and the pursuit intensifies.

Guided by some unseen light I weave in and out of trees and over rocks towards the tortured soul in need of aid. The sound of this person’s agony draws me through the unknown terrain. I move onward, with every step the painful screeching gaining in volume and intensity. Aside from the person for whom I am searching, there does not appear to be anyone else in the forest tonight. Nervously I continue the hunt for the disturbance. My ears become numb to the distressed howl, as every step brings me closer to the distant shrieking.

I always get myself into these situations. Why had I abandoned my peaceful slumber to wander into the wilderness to assist some faceless somebody shouting suffering so far away from the safety of my sleeping bag? I should be warm in my tent, not preoccupied by this misery reverberating through the wood. I do not have to be the savior for every person yearning for rescue. Ending this soul’s anguish is not my burden to bear, but like always, I continue.

Breathing with increased difficulty, and bleeding from scrapes and cuts acquired on stumbles along my path, I emerge into a clear area of greenery much different from the previous path. This gorgeous display of flora seems almost a mask for the pain, nature’s way of covering the torment up ahead. After being distracted for a moment by the natural beauty of the scene, I return to the task at hand. Who is this person, and what is causing their pain?

I’m running now. The source of the cry for help is now a few feet away, just beyond the dense tree line at the boundary of this beautiful forest clearing. The screams are so loud now. One final lunge brings me around the large solid oak that has blocked my view. I’m struck by his pallor, as moonlight drapes him. I fall backward from the shock, for what I have found curled with knees to chest and shaking vigorously, is me.

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