The car rolls to a stop. I put the car in park and get out of the front seat. I close my eyes not wanting to see my surroundings yet. My bare feet feel the cold, soft grass squish beneath me. I take a deep breath and slowly open my eyes. From where I stand, I’m engulfed in green. Nothing but miles and miles of forest lie ahead of me. I inhale deeply, smelling all the fresh flowers around me. The excitement consumes me and I take off in a sprint. My feet pick up mounds of dirt as I run but I couldn’t care less. The trees towering above me provide good shade from the scorching August sun. I accidentally step on a branch startling a bunny that jumps into a bush in front of me. I laugh at the innocent animal and continue on. A few moments later I stop abruptly. I stand awestruck at what lies ahead. The trees part in a perfectly symmetric opening welcoming a beautifully blue stream. I can hear the water rushing over the rocks as a deer on the opposite end lowers its head to get a drink. I approach the edge of the stream taking a seat on a large boulder lying on the bank. I have my legs pulled close to my chest not wanting them to get wet but I quickly change my mind. How could I sit here and not take full advantage of nature’s beauty? I slowly lower my feet into the water only allowing my toes to break the surface. I watch the dirt drift off my toes and it’s as if the entire stream has taken over my soul. I feel so connected to everything around me. I stand up from the boulder and walk toward the middle of the stream now knee-deep in the water. I throw my hands up towards the sky and let the sun warm my cheeks. I stand there, eyes closed, arms out, knowing this is where I’d like to stay forever.
