Author's Note: I know that this is an incredibly short chapter. I wanted to get it up before I left for vacation. I will be spending the next week, absorbing the sun on a cruise! I will not be posting until after the fourth. I am sure, however, that I will find lots of inspiration on trip!
Lush green foliage surrounded him. Pops of color. Red, purple, yellow, orange, pink, flowers of which he didn't know the name. The sense of calm was overwhelming. Peaceful. Serene. He didn't know where he was, but he didn't question it either. He was just happy to be there. Walking, he felt each branch brush against his arm, gently as if greeting him. Down the gravel path, he heard each crunch of his footsteps. In the distance there was the sound of running water, a small brook perhaps. The light filtered in from above, the perfect blend of light and shadow.
He soon discovered he was not as alone as he originally thought. Birds surrounded him, as did squirrels and rabbits and a passing deer. He continued on, he was searching for something. Glancing behind each bush, scanning every clearing, yet he found nothing. It was when he reached the meadow that he realized he was barefoot. The soft verdant grass sprung up between his toes. It was damp with dew and cool despite the afternoon sun. He bent down, running his hand along the blades. A softness that comparable to silk, or perfect creamy skin.
Once again he saw the deer. It was clear that it was female, and that she was watching him. Perfectly still she stood, as if waiting for him to understand. The doe had the most arresting eyes he had ever seen, a beautiful shade of crystalline blue. She stared at him, as if willing him to follow. Once again went with his instinct and trailed after the quiet deer, without a care as to why.
The vibrant smell of the grass caught his nose. A smell he was typically unfamiliar with as fresh grass usually caused his sinuses to shut down. He breathed clear and deep, appreciating the fresh scent. His brain flashed to another aroma, a warm spicy scent, a combination of orange and sandalwood. He did not know what it was, nor did he question it. Instead he broke his moment of reverie and continued to follow the doe.
He realized that the doe was leading him out of the forest. Subtly at first but then it seemed all at once the green gave way to sandy tones. The soles of his feet were no longer caressed by cool damp grass, but instead were assaulted by hot sand. The sun that was refreshing had become blindingly bright, the heat causing sweat to form along his brow. He was desperate for the sanctuary of the forest. He was drawn to its comfort. For a moment he paused trying desperately to make the decision to move forward or go back.
Across the vast expanse of sand he saw two people standing there. A woman and a young boy. He wasn't sure if he should recognize them. Her dark auburn waves, his bouncy blonde boyhood curls. Just like the doe, he was drawn to them. He wanted to be with them, to stand along the blue water's edge. They didn't see him, or they did there was no acknowledgment of his presence. Would he be an intrusion on their day at the beach? Would he be welcome to join them?
The doe was gone, as if evaporated or engulfed in the sand. Booth stood there trapped on the sand, glancing back and forth between the green forest, and the blue water. He didn't know which way he wanted to go; he didn't know which was he was supposed to go. His feet were beginning to blister; the sand was incredibly hot, searing his exposed soles. Standing there, the calm, comforting feeling began to dissipate, replaced by fear and worry. Did he retreat to his sanctuary or proceed to the beach? The pain, the heat began to intensify.
Suddenly and without warning the sand became a wall of fire on all sides.