Private Cave

I need to figure out how to get out of here. When I fell, I twisted my ankle, and I had a deep cut going down my arm. Plus, I can tell I have a couple of bruises plus one on my head as well. I got a lot more injured than I first realized. I can't think of the pain I'm going through right now; I need to get out of this cave. I walk to the water hole and clean off the dirt and blood. It's cool and feels great against my skin. There are Sun flowers and thick branches at the bottom of the pool. I see one of the branches move up and out of the pool. I jump back in fright. The branch is just standing there not making any moves. I stare at it, watching, making sure it's not here to harm me or cause problems.

After a couple of minutes passed I finally walked up to the root again. I put my hand out and touch it and it leans toward me. I smile. I could feel the pulse of life from it. It's this weird thing I've noticed I can do with nature. It was great being able to feel so much energy from just the roots. It's the most I've ever felt. The root quickly went to a point and poked her finger, sucking in a little blood before letting go, dropping a couple of drops of blood into the pool.

"Oww, why would you do that." At that moment I felt a connection develop between the root and myself.

"I'm sorry, but I needed to do that to speak with you."

"Why do you want to speak with me?" I asked, making a confused face.

It laughed, "Silly child, I am the Ancestral Tree. On your birthday you will be sent to the temple to help there and be my helper. Well, that's what we'll be telling everyone. I am glad you found this place on your own, now we can talk privately, among other things. Please tell no one about this place or what happens here. I will be teaching you many things here that you must keep to yourself for now." It spoke sternly. I felt loyal to the tree and promised to keep this a secret.

"Don't worry. I was going to make this my private space anyway. My mother is always trying to take me places and show me off, and my father wants to keep me protected, so I always seem to have someone around me. It's nice to get away from it all." A small smile curves at the corner of my mouth.

"Well, I have plans for you as well, won't I be a burden to you?" The tree says half-jokingly.

"Do you want to be a burden to me?" I tease back.

It laughs again. "Haha, I want to be of help to you. I have a lot of knowledge I can pass down, so if you have any questions ask and I will do my best to answer."

"What do you mean questions?"

"The older you get the more you're going to want to know, so while we can, ask whenever and whatever."

I don't know why but I felt more at ease knowing the tree was going to always be there for me. I was also confused when she said while we can.

"Since you said I can ask you anything, do you know how I can get out of this hole?"

"I will make you a way out." There was a rumbling sound, and the ground and walls shook. After a couple of minutes, another hole opened, and the ground and walls stopped shaking.

How did she do that?

"This tunnel will lead to a hollow tree. From now on, come and go through the opening of that tree. Make sure you cover up the hole you fell into."

I smile brightly at the tree root and take off to the opening to go back home before I get into trouble. I find the hole I fell into not too far away and quickly cover it with some fallen tree branches and leaves. I ran faster than I ever have back home. I spent too much time in my private place. I hope dad doesn't get too mad.

I had almost made it home when I heard dad screaming out my name and not too far from him, I could also hear my brothers. Crap he's not going to let me back outside for a long time. I picked up the pace and ran to dad.