Deep within the heart of the village, bound by tales and mysteries, was a lush green jungle untouched for centuries.
Nobody knew what it held within as those who went in were never found. The villagers avoided taking the path nearby as they believed it was alive. One day, when the sky was painted with shades of orange, there used to be a rustling wind, then a howl, and a shriek.
No one dared to enter the forest since then, no one but one. Althea, an aspiring botanist didn't believe in curses. She thought that all that was within was beauty which was too good to let go of.
Armed with only a journal and determination, Althea made her way to the forest. As she put her foot down, she felt a resemblance. She entered deep into the depths following the ray of sunlight. Within minutes she reached a mesmerising haven. All sorts of flora and fauna surrounded her. She clicked a mental picture of this.
Suddenly she heard a whisper.
"Do you want to know what lies in the past?"
Without a second thought, she agreed. Mist filled the atmosphere, memories in her mind, but they weren't her own. She saw love, laughter, and loss. Brutal attacks, all the missing souls held beneath the surface. It wasn't the forest that was the threat she realized, it was the memories.
As the mist slowly cleared, she snapped out of her thoughts. The entire past was displayed to her.
Althea, unable to move, put her head down. As she closed her eyes, the memories reappeared. She heard yet another whisper.
"Have some water"
She bounced her eyes and saw a tiny pond filled with perfectly clear water. As she took a sip, she felt uplifted.
Althea passed the night in the woods and returned home. The villagers rejoiced and believed that now the curse was lifted. Althea, now famous, went to her house and opened her journal only to find a note stating: This is not the end.
