Another tiny adventure I wrote as part of the the aforementioned keyword exercise (see Tell Me What You See) I started someone time back in 2019, when the world was a much different place.

A specific phrase popped into his head as he passed by what must surely be the same tree that had passed by 15 minutes ago. And 30 minutes ago. And 45 minutes ago. He was convinced that it was the same tree because, not matter how strong their feelings for each other might be, there was no way that ‘L & C’ Forever’ would be carved into the exact same spot of four identical trees, each within a 15 minute walk of the last.

But maybe he was wrong.

The phrase that popped into his head, though it didn’t really apply to his current predicament as appropriately as it might appear at first glance, was still a favourite of his: ‘not all those who wander are lost.’

It was Tolkien, if he was remembering correctly. Or was it Lewis Carroll? No, it was definitely Tolkien. There was just something about his current situation, his surroundings, yes, but also the creeping sensation that was equal parts confusion and wonder, reminded him of Tugley Wood from the animated version of Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. He loved that film as a child, though he would be lying if he said it didn’t frighten him in parts.

On his forth passing of what he was now referring to as the ‘soul-mates tree’, he finally decided that we was in fact lost, and that he should accept the fact that, not only would he be late, but that he may actually never arrive at his intended destination.

And yet still he wandered. Hours passed and the sun made its way across the sky. He knew that it would be dark soon. His confusion grew into frustration, which grew into fear and just the slightest hint of panic. He no longer wanted to be here, but he had no idea how to leave. He forgot where it was he was going and even started to forget where he had started. The dark, cloudy sky the perfect illustration of what was going on inside his mind.

Then two things happened that instantly alleviated the darkness.

Firstly, the moon suddenly appeared in the night sky. He wasn’t sure where she had been previously, perhaps she had been hidden behind some thick cloud? One moment she was hidden, and he next she was as prominent as he could ever remember seeing her. She wasn’t a full moon, but she was so close he felt as tough he could almost reach out and touch her. She cast the forest in a cool light that immediately eradicated his fears .

The second thing that happened was that he saw a figure, a person, not all that far in front of him. He kept on in the direction of the person, not wanting to alarm them, but eager to know what they were doing, why they were there. As he got nearer, he could see that the person was a young woman dressed in a charming floral dress, and a daisy tucked behind one ear. He was immediately floored by her beauty.

He approached cautiously, wanting to announce his presence without surprising her. When he eventually came to a stop by her side, she turned slightly towards him and smiled. She was so calm, so at ease in her surroundings.

“I was just admiring this tree,” she announced pleasantly, and he saw that it was, of course, the ‘soul-mate tree’.

“I’m sorry to bother you,” he ventured, “but I think I might be lost.”

This time she turned and faced him, giving him the opportunity to appreciate the full compliment of her breathtaking smile.

“Me too,” she said, “but that’s okay, I’m enjoying the journey.”

He found himself returning her smile, all of his negative thoughts and emotions disappearing into the ether.

“Would you like to enjoy it together?”

“I would,” he said confidently.

“Great. I’m Luna,” she offered.

“Casper,” he replied, as she took his hand in hers.