Next thing I knew I was in the woods, and after all the times I had walked those same woods before something was different this time. The air was fresher, everything was still, with the exception of the falling leaves which were still dancing to my feet. The trees stood tall and proud. Surrounded by shades of orange, brown, and red. No animals were to be seen or heard. It was almost like I had my own world. Just for me. I took a breath, and with that breath, every bit of stress that had caused me to take this walk in the first place left my body. Full serenity. Total bliss. Carelessness.
Then suddenly I looked to my right, and notice what seemed to be a clear spot in the woods. I ventured over to stepped onto a path. It was a perfectly straight path, and i could see what seemed like miles when I look in one direction. I paused, debating wether to continue on the fallen leaf covered, moist, "never ending" path or to turn back, and return home. Something in my head told me to take the path, as if the little voice in my head knew i would discover something interesting on this path, or learn some sort of lesson. I don't know. So I walked, one foot in front of the other for a while. And then suddenly, the path split. Giving me a choice, right or left. As I contemplated which path to take, I observed each of them carefully. And on the left path I see something sparkle from the last few rays of sunshine pushing it's way through the tree tops. I got closer, realizing it was a key. The key looked old and worn. It had some rust beginning to form on it. And it was large. Almost like a key for a castle door, but my curiousity was bigger than the key, so I picked it up. And carried on down the path that I found it. I only walked a few minutes when I noticed something strange. On top of a tree stump sat a cup. Almost as if I was meant to see it sitting there. I stopped and observed the cup closely. It was a somewhat small cup, made out of tin. It was painted white, but the paint was chipping. It seemed old, considering tin cups are more a thing of the past, but it looked well kept. Almost like someone had just recently left it there. Almost like it was there for a reason. Instead of doing like I did with the key, I left the cup. Something told me that it was meant to be there. Maybe someone left it as a mark for where they had been. And maybe someone who needed it would find it one day and use it. I had no business with it, and I moved on my way.
I continued walking, still observing and wondering about the key. I kept looking at it, playing scenarios in my head trying to figure out what it could possibly unlock. And then suddenly I saw a bridge, an old swing bridge that looked like it had been there for ages. The bridge hung over a huge gap in the land, there was no water under it, just a canyon in the woods. I stepped on the bridge, considering that it might not be safe. But I felt fearless. I felt like if I stopped my journey there I'd be passing up something that I'd never get the chance to do/see again. So I brought my other foot onto the bridge and took my first step. Then my second. The bridge swayed left and right vigorously making it hard to keep my balance. I was half way there. I took a step and as I placed my right foot onto the next board, it gave it and I fell through. My heart raced but I reacted so quickly that I caught myself and pulled myself back up. As I caught my breath I checked my pocket to make sure I hadn't dropped the key. And thankfully, it was still there. Nervously an carefully I tiptoed my way across the rest of the bridge with no issues, other that the constant swaying of course.
Surprisingly I hadn't grown tired yet. And the sun was still pretty well risen. So I still walked, slowly and calmly. I started to hear a faint babble in the distance. Almost like running water. I kept my eyes peeled, trying to find the source of the noise. And then I found it, it was a small creek. With clear water that flowed lightly, just enough to make that faint noise I heard. The water was shallow and the sound was relaxing. I sat for a minute, and listened to the water roll over the rocks and trickle down the tiny waterfall that was right in front of me. It was peaceful, but I needed to move on on my adventure. I stepped on surfaced rocks to cross the river. I didn't want to get wet because the wind was chilly, and the water was cold. I skipped across the rocks without a struggle. I felt like a kid again, and i giggled as I danced across the creek step by step.
When I got to the other side of the creek I peered forward and noticed something right ahead of me, but I was covered by some trees so I couldn't make out what exactly it was. I ran up to it, and realized I had stumbled upon a cabin of some sort. There were no lights on, and I tried to knock but no one came to the door. I searched around the porch looking for a spare key and I found one. I entered the cabin and found all sorts of furniture and the place was clean. I assumed it was a summer vacation spot for someone. I are some food out of the fridge and then sat down on the couch. The sun was beginning to set, and I knew i didn't have time to get home before dark, so I decided to take a chance and stay the night. After all, I was done my journey quite yet so I figured I'd start tomorrow. I drifted off to sleep, and dreamed of what I might find the next day.
When I awoke I set out on my journey again, locking the door to the cabin and putting the key back in it's rightful place. I got back on my path and started walking, listening to the morning birds. The light was still dim because of the canopy of trees above me. I stubbed upon a fence, it was old, metal and rusted. I looked over it and saw that on the other side there was a huge open field. Glimmering with sunshine and morning dew on the grass. I knew this would be my last stop. I hopped the fence and frolicked into the field where the rays of sun hit me, making my whole body warm. It was gorgeous. As I walked across the field I observed all my surroundings because I was amazed by house gorgeous the landscape was. It looked almost like something out of a picture book. I was basking it beauty an didn't pay a bit of attention to my footing when suddenly my relaxing moment was ruined by me tripping over something sticking out of the ground. I turned to check it and I noticed a handle popping out of the dirt, so I began to dig. Under the layers of dirt was a suit case with a lock on it. I was disappointed because I was unable to open it, and then I remembered my mystery key. I knew it was a long shot, but it was my only choice. I grabbed it out of my pocket an gave it a shot, and magically it worked. I had to take a second look because I was amazed at the fact that I actually got it open. On the inside was nothing but a letter. And the letter said..
"I saw you struggling, I knew you were tired and needed a break. That little voice in your head telling you to keep going, that was me. I'm your guardian angel, and I knew you had no one to run to, so i took control. I'm here to let you know everything is okay, and you can handle any task. Sometimes life gets rough, I know. But in those times, all you need to do it walk, because I'll walk beside you."
