I Didn't Mean To

Before THAT Night

    The day before THAT night will always stand out in my memory.  It was the last day of my childhood, and I was unaware of the changes that would occur.  

    It was a beautiful fall day, September 26th to be exact, and the morning started a little slow.  I woke with the sun, and went to the kitchen for a glass of water and an apple.  So boring, right?  I even remember the crunch of the apple in my teeth.  

    "Gennifer, good morning" My Mom was busy at the sink, looking out the window. "I think today would be a great day for you to gather some more mushrooms and fungi from the forest.  Don't forget your gathering bags, and notebook.  I expect a full report on what you find, see and what you deduce from your experiences today."

    Wow, a full day wandering around with Forest!  It's like a holiday for me.  I pack a quick lunch and pick up the sack full of gathering bags, with my notebook and pen.  I can see Mom watching me from the window as I trot towards the property edge.  I wave, but she just watches, so I turn and move into Forest's embrace.  

    I can feel my heartbeat slow as I breath in the clear air. I love Forest, and she loves me.  I can hear the wildlife rustling in the fallen leaves.  Time to start work!  I take out my notebook, and note the date, time and weather information.  Mom & Dad will expect lots of details, so I find an old fallen log to sit on while I write my impressions of the day.  Everything from the mundane notice of humidity to the exceptional sighting of a hawk above me.  Then I start looking around for mushrooms or wild herbs.  We use them for various teas and potables for health.  At least that's what I've been taught.  I wait for Forest to direct me which way to travel, and finally spot a deer looking at me and then turning her head south.  Must be a sign?

    I spend the morning gathering various samples from the south portion of Forest.  Scooping up odd plant life, digging in the loam for mushrooms or fungi, even collecting some interesting looking stones.  This is what keeps me happiest.  While I sit to eat my lunch, I start updating my notebook.  Suddenly, Forest starts swaying like there's a storm wind blowing, but no wind is reaching me.  I look around, and all the trees are pointing back towards my home.  Curiosity has me asking Forest if there is a problem, only to see the tree tops snapping their branches from me and back to the North and my house.  Must be something going on.  I quickly gather my things and trot back.  It takes me an hour to return back to the property, but as I exit from under the trees, I cannot believe my eyes!

    Cars are parked all around our house, with lights flashing, sirens blaring.  People are crouched behind open car doors, and guns are out.  No one notices me slowly walk across the field, and up behind the police line.  Smoke pours from the house, and I can hear coughing as the Police order my parents.

    "Bring out the child, come out with your hands in the air!"