Esme
Dense trees surrounded me as I struggled to navigate which way to go. The air was warm and humid with the scent of night-blooming jasmine flowing in the breeze. I faintly heard water rushing over rocks and instinctively knew to follow it. The trees thinned as I approached a clearing when I realized where I was. The forest from my dreams. I pushed through to the clearing and looked around wildly for my grandmother. I didn't think I would ever have the chance to speak with her again. Excitement filled me.
“Grandma?” I called out when I realized I was alone. My heart sank when I remembered this wasn't just the place where I had found her, but also the forest of my nightmares. “Elizabeth, it’s me.” I tried again, desperately looking around with panic filling me more by the second. I mov
