Stopping, she saw how her fingers and nails had become dark blue from the juice of the berries. She looked at them in surprise, and then a slight sincere smile appeared on her face.
- Decorated nails! - she exclaimed cheerfully, forgetting about everything that had happened before. Laughing, she felt like a child for a moment, free from fears and pain.
Calmed down, but still smiling, she picked some berries "for later", leaving some on the bushes. Shaking off her dress and hands, she continued on her way, carefully looking around. Her steps were light, and curiosity lit up her eyes again.
Yes, after traveling all day, she finally came across a river. Walking further through the forest, she ate berries, then marveled at everything new and unknown that she encountered on her way. This forest was scary, but also wonderful at the same time.
Evening was approaching. Her day had been eventful, even cheerful, although it had consisted only of a journey through the forest. She had come across strange creatures, studied their appearance with amazement, and tried to understand what they were.
While looking for a place to spend the night, she suddenly came out of the forest. A mountain rose in front of her, and on its top grew a lonely tree. The entire lawn around was covered with colorful flowers. Below, under the slope, stretched the endless ocean. She could hear the waves crashing against the rocks, and a cold wind blew over her body from head to toe.
The sunset revealed a true picture of peace to her - even at the edge of the forest it was magical. Despite the cold and the slippery stones that covered the shore, she, enchanted by the beauty and silence of this place, slowly moved closer to the ocean.
Jumping from rock to rock, careful not to fall on the wet surface, she reached a large boulder. Sitting on it, the girl watched the waves wash the foot of the mountain and smiled. Her heart felt peace for the first time in a long time.
She leaned back and accidentally lay right on the wet stone.
- I’m so tired… - she said with false sadness, watching two birds flying past the already darkening sky.