Into the Forest

Forests are magical. Emma lived in a house built on the outskirts of a small Maine town where the woods grew all around. The sounds coming from the forest fascinated Emma, especially when she heard rustling in the bushes as small creatures stirred. She heard sighing in the trees as the wind danced among the branches. At night an owl perched in the tree that grew near her bedroom window. It called out into the night: Hoo! Hoo! Hoooo! She listened closely feeling it was speaking directly to her. 
One day, something happened. Well, actually a lot happened! The whole day just kept getting worse and worse. When all was said and done, everyone was angry with Emma. That night her thoughts swirled, dark and heavy. She was ready for something different. Something new and exciting. She wanted to call the shots. Make her own rules and go when and where she wanted to go. She wasn't a baby anymore! She was ten years old now, and it was time for action!  She wanted to know what secrets the forest held. Before she fell asleep, she came up with a plan. Satisfied, she snuggled into her blanket, closed her eyes, slipping away into somewhere shadowy. Her eyelids fluttered as she dreamed. She dreamed about the secret sounds of the forest and magic waiting to be discovered.