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From last weekend on, the Nor’easter’s influence kept me from entering the forest, but when the weather finally showed signs of improvement, I headed toward the woods. Ever since my stay in the ER last year and the subsequent discharge, I have avoided excessive gym workouts and have found contentment simply in walking through the forest. As a result, if I miss even a single day, my whole body stiffens unbearably. Thankfully, the hurricane seemed to pass without causing major trouble, which lightened my heart.
Though a light drizzle still lingered, I stepped into the forest and found remnants of the storm scattered everywhere. A few large trees had fallen, and every trail was covered with broken branches, making it easy to trip if one wasn’t careful. Crossing a wooden plank laid over a marshy patch, I nearly slipped, but managed to brace myself with the walking stick I was carrying and avoided falling.
There is a particular charm in walking through the forest under a hurricane's lingering influence. Above all, on days like this, no one else comes, letting me savor the forest’s serene, solemn atmosphere to my heart’s content. As I walked in quiet contemplation, I suddenly sensed a presence—as if something whispered, “I’m here too.” Looking up, I saw a young buck standing beside me, proudly showing off his newly rising antlers. In a place where no one had come all day, a visitor appeared, and curiosity must have stirred in him; even when I took photos, he did not run away but stared at me intently. Only when I began walking forward did he whirl around and dash off, in a way that felt almost affectionate. Ah, the stillness of the forest after the hurricane—what a gift it is.
My Story (222) Herald of Autumn
