The following morning, Andy woke early. Kermit was breathing loudly, still deep in sleep, drooling slightly. Arlene slept quietly on her stomach, her back rising and falling gently.

Andy got out of his bedroll quietly, attempting not to wake the others. He stood up and tip-toed across the room where a small plate lay covered, along with a note:

For your journey today. Have fun!

Andy took the cover off the plate, revealing several small pastries with creamy sweet cheeses and nuts. Andy took one into his hand, taking a bite.

Like all the food in the Cresthaven region, it was delectable. The heavy, crunchy nuts (something between a pecan and a walnut) meshed perfectly with the heavy cream cheese filling and the light, flaky pastry. It was glorious.

"Mmmmmm god-damn!" Andy said in involuntary ecstasy as the food melted in his mouth.

Arlene snorted as she startled awake. "Is everything ok?"

"Oh, sorry," Andy said in a whisper. Kermit was still fast asleep. "Natham gave us some pastries to take on our trip today, and they're just too good. I couldn't help myself. I'm sorry."

Arlene smiled sleepily as she rose from her bedroll. She stretched and yawned, and then gently stepped over Kermit to get to the pastries. She took one and ate it. Her eyes widened. "Wow… how is all the food so good here all the time?"

"Right?"

Arlene produced a small pouch and put the pastries in. "Picnic at the shrine." She smiled.

***

After washing up, Andy went outside where Sven and PL still slept. Morwen was nowhere to be seen.

Arlene was still getting ready, so Andy walked across the road to the stone bench he had used for meditation the night before. The same statues stood there in front of the tree-line.

Andy took a seat and breathed in, calming himself. It came more naturally now. The world came into clearer focus as he allowed his mind to become still. The thoughts still circled him, a bit of chaos, but it was like a storm around a mountain. He had become spiritually solid, immovable. His awareness spread to his body, the grass, the trees, the sky, the world.

I'm finally getting the hang of this, he said, cursing under his breath as he realized his thought had stolen his concentration. Then he chuckled.

After a long sit, Andy made his way back to the cottage where Arlene stood waiting for him.

"Ready to go?" She asked.

"Yep," Andy said, nodding.

"Remember where the shrine was on the map?"

"Yep, it looked like a mile or two north."

Andy oriented himself, looking at the rising sun. "I'm assuming the sun rises in the east here?" Andy asked.

"Oh," Arlene said. "I don't know… I've never thought about it."

"Yes," said Sven, who still appeared to be asleep. He snored a little.

"Oh, hey," Andy said. "You awake?"

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Sven continued to snore, his head leaned back on PL, who also slumbered.

"I think he's still sleeping?" Arlene said. "I don't know if he was talking to us or…"

"You said the sun rises in the east here?" Andy said, looking toward Sven.

"Yep," Sven said between heavy breaths and snores.

"I think he may be awake," Andy whispered to Arlene.

"No," said Sven.

"I'm confused…." Andy said.

"Don't be," came Sven's apparently unconscious reply.

Arlene stifled laughter.

"Ok, so we're going to assume the sun rises in the east so that we can head North," Andy said.

No reply. Sven continued snoring.

"I think…" Andy started.

"You bet," said Sven, snoring more.

Andy just laughed. "Well, if the sun rises in the east, then we should head that way," he said, pointing to the woods that stood north of the cabin, at least presumably.

"Sounds good," said Arlene.

"Thank you, Sven," Andy said gently.

"N'p'blem," Sven's unconscious body said, slurring his words into a single, sloppy syllable.

The two began to head north. The tree-line was thick, but they found a small path carved out between two great white oak trees.

As soon as they crossed the tree-line, it was like they were immersed in a different world. The golden sunlight shot through the emerald canopy. The forest air was alive with activity: five small, white butterflies danced in front of Andy before disappearing behind a tree trunk. A chipmunks gave chase to another playfully, darting across the path and into a nearby burrow.

Several clicks and bird calls resounded, echoing through the forest. The tree trunks rose to an unimaginable height, like pillars buttressing a cathedral designed by nature herself.

"Isn't it incredible?" Arlene said.

"It's really something," said Andy, stopping to take it in.

Arlene took out her pastry pouch and grabbed a small pinch, tossing it on the ground.

"Hey, don't waste those!" Andy said.

"Oh please," she said. "It's just a pinch. A little thank-you to this place for being so beautiful. We've got plenty."

Andy watched as a line of ants emerged from the underbrush, grabbing the pastry flakes and heading back.

They must feel like they hit the jackpot, Andy thought.

"It's something my mom used to do," said Arlene. "She always fed the animals. Especially birds. But she would feed anything. She couldn't help it."

"I guess that's sweet, though," said Andy.

"Yeah, I think it is. And it just helps you be at peace with things. You give a little, when you can, to the things around you. I don't know… maybe it's stupid. But it makes life easier. For me at least."

"What do you mean?" Andy asked. "How does it make it easier?"

They began walking again as Arlene continued. "I just mean it makes the world a better place. You know, contributing… giving a gift… even if it can't be repaid. It just feels good. And it makes you feel connected to where you are, all the animals and plants around. I don't know…" she trailed off.

"No, no," Andy said, trying to reassure her. "I think I get it. I apologize, I reacted too quickly."

"It's ok," Arlene said. "I know it's weird."

"I don't think it's weird at all, not after you explain it," said Andy. "I was just thinking with my stomach. I understand what you're saying about feeling connected to things. I had a really similar experience this morning while I was meditating. I just felt… I don't know… at home?"

"Yeah, exactly," Arlene said. "It's a great feeling. And I think it's hard to find… you know?"

They continued down the path as the canopy grew thicker and darker. The birdcalls grew more intense.

"I hope we're actually headed north," Andy said.

"Even if we're not, it's a nice walk," Arlene said, smiling. "And besides, we can always just turn back around," she gestured behind them, turning around. "Oh shit."

"What?"

Andy turned around. The path had disappeared behind them. All that remained was a thick, impenetrable brush.

"Welp."