Monsters in a Forest of Thoughts

stood up, put my dishes away and limped away to a hill that overlooked camp. A single willow tree rested on the top, I sat down and rested my back against it. I grabbed the iPod that I kept in my jean pocket and earbuds. I found the song I wanted to listen to, You're Somebody Else by flora cash, put my earbuds in and pressed play. I probably wasn't allowed to play the music because it was like a beacon for monsters but I just didn't care if I was putting myself at risk. I needed music, it was the only way I could stay calm.

I turned the volume to almost max and listened to the song on repeat. My eyes teared up and I blinked a few times as tears rolled down my face. I sat in silence, crying silently. If the other campers listened closely in silence, if they were close enough, they would hear the music faintly. I sighed and looked down at camp, I saw Juniper walking towards the hill so I quickly wiped the tears from my eyes and turned down the volume.

"Hey, Peck." She sat down next to me.

"Hey, Juniper," I mumbled.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing, I'm fine." I took my earbuds out, paused my music and shoved it into my pocket.

"You sure?"

"Yes! Yes, Juniper I'm fine!" I raised my voice.

Juniper was startled by my anger, "I'll leave you then." She stood up and was about to walk away when I grabbed her hand.

"I didn't mean to yell, I'm sorry Juniper," I said.

"I-its ok." Juniper sat down and squeezed my hand.

"I'm just really tired," I said.

"I know, I can see it in your eyes," Juniper said looking at me.

"Can I rest my head on your shoulder?" I asked.

"Go ahead." Juniper shuffled closer to me.

I rested my head on her shoulder tiredly and looked down at camp. Juniper took out a pan flute from her pocket and started playing a soft, calming tune. I was soon drifting off to sleep, I slept peacefully without being bothered by another nightmare.

***

By the time I woke up again the sun was setting, the snow gleamed softly with golden light. I soon realized Juniper had drifted off into sleep as well. Junipers' hand rested on mine and I blushed for a few moments, I didn't dare move from where I was in fear of waking her.

A few tree nymphs were giggling in the forest and talking but they were too far away for me to hear what they were saying.

I looked down at camp and saw a few campers in small groups talking. Light snow started to fall and Juniper shuffled starting to wake up. I sat up and looked down at camp.

"Did I fall asleep?" Juniper mumbled as she blinked the tiredness from her eyes.

"Yes, I haven't been awake long," I responded.

"Oh, sorry, I guess my music put me to sleep as well."

"Don't be, but we should get back to camp."

Juniper nodded in agreement and stood up, she picked up the pan-flute that had fallen on the ground and put it back into her pocket.

I stood up and put a lot of pressure on my left ankle, I didn't feel much pain except for a small sting.

"We don't want to be late for the campfire Peck, come on!" Juniper took my hand and tugged me along.

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" I said and picked up the pace so I was walking beside her.

"Make sure to keep that iPod hidden, Glen," Juniper said.

"I know, I'll put it away tonight," I responded.