My Favorite Mistake

The task was simple: a walk from point A to point B. My guardian (don’t remember which relative or friend) had told me with specific instructions to return home before it got dark. As the scenery was bathed a soft pink my body laid comfortably on the soft grass, the sound of the moving trees bringing a smile to my face. The sudden chill made my sleepy eyes open as I eyed the sinking sun. Abruptly her words awoke me from my peaceful day dream;

"Can I go look around outside the camp site? Just a little beyond the woods, please?" She looked at me and rolled her eyes, but her compliancy betrayed her seriousness.

"Fine, but you must walk straight back here before it gets dark. Understand?" As an eight year old my attention span was that of a dog, my thoughts already running wild as I practically screamed the word "Yes!" and ran off through the woods.

The wind ripped through my hair and made me feel as if I was flying, just another bird darting stealthily through the trees. My feet pounded on the soft dirt as my chest hurt from the sudden exhaustion. But I couldn't stop, my legs continued to carry my tired body as my mind ran down the list of all the adventures that were to be played: a monkey in the trees, a ninja on a mission, a tiger stalking prey, and so on and so forth.

The light danced in my vision as my feet finely skidded to a halt, my breath jagged by put a smile still plastered on my face. These were the moments I loved, moments devoid of lectures and the white noise of people in the background. I always thought I should've been a wolf or an animal of some sort, my affinity for them was always stronger then with that of my relationship with people. But those thoughts weren't running through my head at the time, but instead: "What's that?" or "Now, where should I go next?" I climbed the highest tree and resumed my position as a ninja and saw a large lake just up ahead. It sparkled from the light of the sun and looked like a jewel in a sea of green. I slid down the trunk of the tree and fell flat on my butt, the sudden impact making me laugh as if someone else was there beside me. My eyelids closed softly as I breathed in the forest, the soft spongy grass tickling the nicks in my legs and arms.

I felt the chill of the wind grow colder, as the setting sun threatened the coming of night. The sudden realization hit and her words played in my head once more. I shot up on my feet, dusted the dirt off my clothes, and started running in the other direction.

However, the sight of the lake was tugging at the back of my mind. It was as if it was beckoning me to follow the lake's light. I bit down on my lip as I contemplated and weighed my options. I knew she wouldn't be happy with me if I returned later then expected, but the nagging thought wouldn't leave me alone. With a slight shrug I did a 360 and sled towards the lake. The sudden bursts of energy urging me to follow the trail of light before it disappeared completely with the coming of night. I ran faster and faster, the water's edge in my sights.

With a final push I burst through the trees and nearly fell head first into the lake. Once again I came crashing to the ground, the sudden pain vanishing with the sight before me. I watched the sun disappear completely behind the hills, the sudden darkness making the lake and forest look even more mysterious.

I waited, my eyes squinting to see past the veil of black. Suddenly, a small glimmer of light turned into a beacon that enveloped the lake. In the center was a collection of reflective glass, rocks, shells, and other treasures. I sat there until I was satisfied and then ran back in the direction I came, coming home to a disgruntled woman; as predicted. And although she lectured me to high heaven, explaining her worries and such, I didn't regret it. Because if I had listened to her words perfectly I wouldn’t have found the treasure in the lake.

This brief adventure taught me that, it's better late than never. Sure I could've arrived promptly on time, but it's not like I didn't return. Besides, it isn't about the destination, but the journey you take. If you never stray from the path, then there's no room for surprises or chance encounters with a new possibility. Sure this has its benefits, but I've learned that there are some moments that are once in a lifetime opportunities. Chances you'll never get again under the same circumstances.

The young eight-year old searching through the woods and disobeying adults to see the jewel of the lake, was one of those chance encounters with adventure.