A soft glow began to emerge from behind the trees, casting eerie shadows on the ground as a mysterious figure stepped into the clearing. The light shimmered like liquid moonlight, rippling across the moss and fallen leaves. Elara froze, clutching the pendant that hung around her neck—a keepsake from her grandmother, who had vanished in these very woods years ago.
The figure moved closer, its outline wavering between human and something less easily defined. A low hum filled the air, vibrating through the trees. Elara’s heart pounded, but curiosity anchored her feet to the earth.
“You shouldn’t be here,” the figure said, its voice layered, as though many spoke at once.
“I’m looking for her,” Elara whispered. “My grandmother, Maera.”
At the name, the glow flared, revealing a face both familiar and strange. Her grandmother’s eyes—ancient, luminous, filled with sorrow—met hers.
“I lingered too long between worlds,” Maera murmured. “The forest took me, as it will take you, if you don’t leave now.”
Tears welled in Elara’s eyes. “Then come back with me.”
“I cannot. But you can remember.” Maera reached out, her hand dissolving into light that wrapped around Elara’s pendant. “When the moon wanes, the path will close.”
Before Elara could speak, the clearing darkened. The glow retreated, leaving her alone beneath the whispering trees.
She looked down—the pendant pulsed softly, warm against her skin. Somewhere deep within, a voice echoed: The forest remembers.
Therapy Bits 
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