284. Violet coin

I followed the others out of the cave and got nearly blinded by the strong light and intense colors outside.

The whole time we walked, our steps were accompanied by a soft crunching sound I hadn't noticed before, as if stepping in fresh snow. It was because the earth and the grass were made out of crystals that, after being crushed beneath our feet, would magically return to their former state as we continued on our way.

Nobody spoke, as if our words would interfere with the silence that was present, accompanying the scenes unfolding in front of us.

I walked last in line while the commander had gone ahead, between trees that reached endlessly into the sky, resting on thick stems, as well as flowers that enticed everyone to pick them to taste their beauty.

We didn't walk long until I heard the soft groaning of a man, full of pain.