Warm sunlight filtered through the leaves. The golden rays painted the forest green and yellow. Sora walked leisurely through the forest. His hands cradled his spiky, brown head. Eyes that mirrored the skies gazed up at them, misty with dreams. A contented smile spread across his face and for the first time in quite awhile, reached his eyes and touched his heart.
He shaded his eyes from the sun as he slipped out of the protective vermilion canopy. He continued along a narrow dirt path. His feet kicked up dust. It occurred to him that the displaced dust was the only proof that he'd walked down the path.
A soft, chill breeze played with his hair, pushing it out of place, then blowing on it until it was back where it belonged. He took a deep breath, taking in the unfamiliar taste of the cool air. A few emerald leaves were tinted with red, yellow and orange. Late summer was giving way to autumn and curious eyes drank in this unusual change of season. At least in the Hundred Acre Wood, summer was over. He was surprised by the deep sadness that that thought had stirred. A sad and tired sigh hung like smoke in the air. Then, a breeze swept it away and nothing remained.
Reaching the stream, he plopped himself down on the ground. Sprawled out on the grass, he closed his eyes. The sun warmed his face. He melted into sunlight. Became the light of hope that traveled on the wind. The warmth of all worlds. Springy grass and hard earth became soft, hot, golden sand. The stream's gentle chatter became the ocean's great roar. The scent of fresh grass and clean earth became the fresh and clean scent of the salty sea air. Sora opened up one eye lazily. The same brilliant blue afternoon sky. So very much like home.
