The forest smells of gasoline. It looks quiet, which gives it the quality of being haunted. After pouring gasoline around the forest, both by car and by foot, we met up again at the place where we started. There are only seven of us who did the job. Tia tried to seek help from the other participants, but they declined. And somehow, I miss the cooperation in Tia’s community. Life there is easier.
Since Tia and I arrived a few minutes late for the challenge, I wonder how many had already entered the forest? Curious about how she feels about the burning while being aware that there are other participants inside, I ask her, “How are you?”
Tia swipes a matchstick, and without hesitation, she throws it on the gasoline-riddled ground. We watch the fire snake around and into the forest itself. T
