Memory Woods (Part 1)

The photo album held snapshots of a past she didn't know about. It felt odd to see some familiar faces but then there were unfamiliar faces that she didn’t remember at all...

"Why can’t I remember them?"

She asked herself. The photo album had been shown to her in the most enchanting manner. Lacy had started her morning by going for a walk. The dew was still glistening on the blades of grass. Not far into the woods, she spotted a doe sipping from a river. Shockingly, the deer was not scared in the least. The elegant doe spoke to her casually.

“Perfect timing. I have something to show you.”

She was surprised by the voice of the doe and asked.

“You talk?”

“Yes, I do and I’ve been observing you for awhile now. I have something to show you about your past that you’ve been searching for.”

The young girl dressed in a white dress, tilted her head as she was intrigued.

“Alright, how far it is from here?”

"Not far."

The deer reassured her and started leading her to a tree stump. It appeared that a lumberjack had chopped down a tree.

"You can open the top part of the stump like a door."

Sure enough, it opened just like a trapdoor of sorts or some kind of compartment. In the hallow tree stump was a photo alum. The front of the album said “The album of your life.” She pulled it out.

"You may open it."

The doe nodded gracefully.

It had photos and memories, all from her very own life! Some of the photos she remembered instantly but then some of them she couldn't remember at all.

"Who are those people in these photos with me? I don't remember them at all. How did you get these?"

Her eyes were wide, as she searched the doe's glossy eyes for answers.

"Why don't we have a seat in the grass here and I will tell you all about the photos."

"I'm most eager to learn the truth!"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes!"

"Do you know that sometimes the truth is hard to hear but that it does bring freedom?"

"Yes, I suppose that does make sense, but where did the photos come from?"

"All the creatures of the woods."

"But how? The animals have cameras?"

"Of sorts... Through their eyes, they do."

Lacy fidgeted with the white lace that was on the hem of her dress.

"So, you mean to tell me that for my whole life, these animals in these woods have been watching me and bringing the photos here?"

The doe seemed to be almost smiling but it was hard to tell for sure.

"I know it seems strange, but yes. The animals capture the beauty of your life with their eyes."

"But do they do it for all people... not just me, I mean?"

"No, only babies like you, who were kissed by butterflies on the first day of their birth. The chosen ones..."

"Chosen? Chosen for what though?"

"You'll soon learn, dear one."

"But where is butterfly that started this all on the day I was born?"

"Her name was Oli. She only lived to be twenty-three days old but she was the one who started the photo album in the tree stump."

They could hear the gurgling of the river and it felt wonderfully serene.

Clang, clang, clang - it was the sound of a cowbell.

"Oh... that's my mother calling me for lunchtime. I must run home now. She doesn't like when I'm too late. I will come back to the woods tomorrow and we can meet again?"

The doe bowed slightly.

"Yes, but you must not tell anyone about me or the other creatures of the woods. Do you understand?"

The girl shook her head in agreement and skipped through the woods, back home.

Stayed tuned for part 2, which will be written by Komal. Find her profile below: