This is an excerpt from a work-in-progress by 15-year-old Abigail Kuras, one of the first two mentees in Cultural Daily’s free writing mentorship program.
*
Severed Souls
(work-in-progress)
Persistent winds weave around bushes and rush through trees, throwing autumn leaves to the ground.
“I’m sorry guys, there’s nothing I can do,” I say, distracting myself with my surroundings. Empty branches poke holes in the sky where the stars would be. The faint scent of coming rain alerts the hopeful birds, the fearful bugs, and hiding mice and squirrels.
“But we still have our Halloween festival,” Cleo says with a shaky voice. “That was supposed to be our sort of goodbye party!”
“I know. I wish I could come.” Rapid waters inch higher and higher, the glistening current a tempting, glittery blue. Skies as red as a velvet coat, as vibrantly orange as a supernova; the setting sun puts the cosmos to shame. If only this moment was as beautiful as the sky. This is nothing like the movies, where friends split up and wish each other the best and promise to keep in touch.
“Why are you leaving so early anyway?” Ace asks.
The earth goes quiet; the animals hiding, as the world drifts to sleep. Almost as if the forest is listening.
“It’s not worth explaining.”
“No! It’s worth explaining to me! Tell me!” Cleo grabs my shoulders.
Crunching leaves cover the sounds of a squirrel’s acorn feast. As river waves crash upon rocks, its scent carries near; enhancing the earthy smell of muddy, tangled roots.
“You won’t want to hear it! Trust me!”
With effortless grace, the birds swoop around, returning to their homes.
Ace gently pulls Cleo off me. “Cleo, it’s fine. Just leave it. Let her process this.”
Cleo takes off running, and I sigh.
“I’m sorry. I have no control in this, really.”
Below the ground, the worms burrow themselves away. The grass tickles everything it touches, like a friendly forest hug.
“It’s okay, you did your best. I’ll see you tomorrow to help you pack up.”
“Okay.” I walk away, defeated.
Warm rays of final sunshine drape everything in love, and Mother Nature’s clouds welcome the rainy night.
*
(Featured image from Pexels)