The dying embers leave the last traces of warmth as the cave settles into its coldness.

Riven throws me a sleeping bag and a heavy blanket.

“Bundle up tonight,” he says, laying his sleeping bag in his own little corner of the cave.

With weariness, I lay mine down. My eyes sag with the heaviness of sleep, but a small itch remains within me.

I need my lavender.

Riven never clarified whether we’...

It started with a speck of desire,

Only a grain.

It rooted itself through and through,

Haunting my brain.

No longer could I think

Without your presence there.

Your words polluted

My once fair air.

I cannot seem to find

The beauty I once thought,

For your cruelness has spread

Dispersing all my wants.

You’ve polluted my mind,

Forcing myself against me.

I cannot handle

Not being able to ...

I looked at the cold gray stone covered in blood. The sight sent shivers through me, awaking me from the spell the young priestess wished to cast.

“Vanora…” she voiced, her tone heavy and piercing.

My eyes welled with tears at the realization this place wasn’t sacred, safe, or sane.

“The sacrifices were for your own stupid power!” I shouted, anger replacing my pain.

The priestess froze, caught...

Humankind is intriguing.

As I’ve grown taller and older, I’ve come across the spectacle of humans.

Young children find joy by swinging in my branches and hiding behind my leaves.

Sometimes I feel my bark pierced by young lovers, carving their initials inside a heart. Though it hurts, the love I witness is worth it.

But there have been times when I witness my fellow trees falling into the hands...

The wind was subtle and the sun shone with little heat.

Birds sung soft tones as the flowers of the fields swayed with peace.

I just wanted to go for a normal walk…but Lila wanted to come with.

Reluctantly, I allowed her, but I deeply regretted it.

The whole time she talked of her worries, talking over the birds singing.

She blocked the sun, causing goosebumps to cover my skin.

On and on she...

Beneath the willow,

You will find my crime.

Tear stained cheeks

And hands the color of red wine.

Ruined and broken,

A mirror lies shattered.

Through broken reflections

My image is scattered.

I destroyed the thing

That feeds my sins.

How can I look at myself

When hate beats within?

Under the willow,

I broke my chains.

No longer am I imprisoned

By my image’s pains....

It started with mud under his fingernails.

I didn’t think much of it, until a smear of red stained his white shirt.

“Dylan, what happened to your shirt?” I asked, concern creasing my eyes.

“Nothing ma, Tilly spilled some painted.”

I asked no further questions.

Later that night, as I lied awake, I heard laughter sounding from Dylan’s room.

It was late, the time edging towards midnight.

What...

It crashes into me—

Agony,

Stabbing me with irreversible pain—

Agony....

You handmade your love just for me,

Crafting gentleness and warmth,

Trading your anger for forgiveness.

You smoothed your rough edges,

Casted out your hate,

And harbored sweetness and faith.

For the sake of love,

You changed your worst parts—

That’s how I know your love is true....

In times of joy, I always think of the dread

That will soon wash over me.

If happiness is but a wave,

It’ll rise then fall.

Light is ever only temporary—

Joy is never persistent.

At one point, darkness hinders

And casts its shadows.

Where there is light,

There is a shadow close behind....