Alina's small car hummed gently as it wound through the narrow Black Leaf Forest road. The tall, shadowy trees rose up on both sides like dark sentinels, but they didn't feel nearly as frightening as they had the first day she'd arrived.
The wheels crunched over fallen leaves, and every now and then a streak of sunlight broke through the canopy, landing on her dashboard like tiny threads of gold. She gripped the wheel loosely, a soft, dreamy smile curving her lips. They chose me, she thought, her heart skipping all over again. They really chose me.
Her eyes sparkled when she remembered Boo's tiny ghost hug, Drake's loud promise, Rocky's shy squeak, Lucian's quiet nod. Even Felix's little shrug. I'm their teacher, she told herself. Not just for the trial but for real.
She turned the heater on a bit more, the forest's early evening chill brushing the window. For the first time, the forest road didn't feel like it was swallowing her whole.. it felt gentle, calm.
