I didn't want to do it. I wanted to leave, right up until the moment I turned around. I saw them there, huddled in a group, some were crying for the ones that they lost; others were joyful for the times to come. The tears ran down their faces and into the fabric of their clothes, dampening them and mixing with the dirt from the woods. The mud only made them all the more modest. All of them, who were never bearers of good fortune themselves, were together now, depending on each other. Sure, they fell on great times – they were given their wishes but none of them were really happy.

Happiness… I felt nothing all my life, nothing but regret. I never felt joy; I never could grasp the feeling. I never wanted to… Seeing my son do the right thing and stay but me to shame. He was staying to raise his son, something that I was never man enough to do. The shame I was filled with was unbearable, knowing that someone I abandoned and, most likely, hated me, would still take a foolish old man's advice. I wasn't a father to my son but… maybe; just maybe I could be a Grandfather to his child. Everyone does deserve a second chance. A chance to redeem themselves - another moment in the woods; I was ready for a good moment, after having lived in a bad moment for so long.

No… I couldn't stay. I don't belong here – do I? I ran, hoping to bypass them. I didn't want to intrude on them, they were now happy, realizing the morals and teaching that they were told so many times. They knew the errors of their ways, that every action had a consequence, that wishes my bring problems – such that you regret them. Better that though, then to never get them – right? My son, his son in one arm, his new family surrounded him; he broke away from them, long enough to grab my arm, He stepped back in the group and pulled me in. He wanted me to stay… he didn't want me to leave the woods. I was always a part of his family – but now I belonged, in his heart. And now, being accepted by the only one who I ever wanted to have forgiveness from; I can truly say that I have felt happiness….

…And I never want it to be time to leave the woods.