Sol

The owner of the inn seemed confused on why I was leaving so soon. "You don't look like you travel very often. Are you sure you'll be okay on your own?"

I smiled and nodded. "I'll be fine, mister."

He stared at me for a while before saying, "You're young. If you like, I could give you some travel advice, if you're so determined, or point you in the safest direction. Although, the safest would be not to go wondering about in the woods alone when you have no idea where you're going or what you're doing."

"I'll be fine," I repeated. "I already know where I'm going."

"And where's that?" He asked.

"I'm going to head towards the mountain."

"And what are you planning to do once you get there? Have any ideas about that?"

He's trying to dissuade me. "Keep going, I guess. It's just… Have you ever had the feeling that there are places you have to go, or people you have to meet? I've never been a huge believer of destiny and all that... but..."

He shrugged. "Feelings are feelings. If you've made up your mind, then there's no point in trying to stop you."

"I guess not."

"So, you want some breakfast? My treat."

"Oh! Thank you."

As we ate, I began to think about my journey ahead.

This won't be easy. Since I don't want to have to carry a bunch of stuff around, I'll have to pack light and rely on nature for food and water. This won't be like coming here, where I just walked straight without thinking about food or water. My stomach growled at the thought. I know enough about plants that I should be able to tell which are edible. I'll bring a water canteen in case there aren't many rivers,… I continued the list in my head. But… will I really be able to make it? I'm just some little girl. What chance do I have? What about bears, or other big animals? Or if there's no food, or water? I could starve or get dehydrated. I mentally shook myself. I can't think like that! I always think like that… But I won't give up! Not ever! Whatever that voice was yesterday, I'm sure it was telling me to go on, and I would hate to disappoint. That, and the weird feeling I got looking at the mountain. I have to go, whatever the risks.

"Good…" And there it is again. So faint I can barely hear it. Okay, voice in my head, or whatever you are, even though I have no idea what you are or where you came from, I'll listen to you. As long as you're helping me, I added.

After a half hour of eating, packing, and getting water, I decided it was time to head out. I stood at the edge of the town, watching the forest. This is it. A few more steps and I'll be on my way…

"Just go…" Okay then, geez. I walked until I was just inside the forest. Happy now?

"Yes." Well fine then. I started walking again, off in the direction of the mountain. I can't believe I talked myself into this. I mean, really? But there's no point in turning back now. Looking around, I began making a mental map, keeping track of landmarks that stuck out so that I didn't get lost. Can you get lost if you don't know where you're going? Probably. I'll just keep going towards the mountain. Problem solved.

An hour later, I stopped to take a rest, and stared at the mountain. It doesn't look any closer. Weird. Taking a drink of water, I got up and kept going, mentally arguing about getting food, sleep, whatever. After a few more hours, I decided to find something to eat and get some sleep. I got lucky; it didn't take that long to find a blueberry bush. As I ate, I set up a makeshift camp. Once I was full, I laid down to sleep, eventually getting comfortable on the hard ground.

I kept going for three more days, and the mountain didn't seem much closer. I must be farther away than I thought. Still, it's three or four days back, or keep going. I choose to keep going. I had crossed a small stream once when I was running low on water yesterday, which I was grateful for. I managed to find enough food to keep me going. It could be worse, although it could also be better. Either way, I'm not complaining.

I was walking when a thought popped into my head. Hey, voice, do you have a name? Or, what should I call you? No response. Fine, be that way. I guess I can't just talk to you whenever I want, huh? I just hope that proves that I'm not crazy… Just keep walking, Sol, just keep walking…

After a while, my stomach started to rumble. I kept walking, but watched out for anything that I could eat. When I was about to give up on food for the day, my eyes fell on what I was sure was an apple tree. I went over to get a better look, and saw apples on some of the branches. This must be my lucky day!

Finally finding a way up, I reached the first branch. I carefully reached for another branch, and after a few, I got to one with two apples. They're out kind of far on the branch… but the next apples are a lot higher up. I better just try to get these.

Carefully, I started down the branch. Slowly… careful… good… I reached my hand out the first apple. When it was almost in hand, the last thing I heard was a giant crack!