Monday, March 17, 2025

Adventure in Train

It was a very early morning when Lucy and Decos boarded the train, their hearts filled with excitement for the adventure that lay ahead. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden hue over the landscape as the train chugged along the tracks. They had planned this trip for weeks, eager to explore the countryside and see the sights.


As the train rolled through the hills, Lucy pressed her face against the window, her eyes sparkling with wonder. “Look, Decos!” she exclaimed, pointing at a quaint little house nestled among the trees. It was a charming cottage with a thatched roof, surrounded by vibrant flowers and a small garden. “I wonder who lives there,” she mused, imagining the stories that could unfold within its walls.


Decos leaned closer to the window, intrigued. “Maybe they have a pet or a secret treasure hidden in the attic!” he replied, his imagination running wild. They both giggled at the thought, their minds filled with possibilities.


Suddenly, the train jolted violently, and the cheerful atmosphere shifted in an instant. The ground beneath them trembled, and the sound of metal screeching filled the air. An earthquake! Lucy and Decos clutched their seats, their hearts racing as the train swayed back and forth. The passengers around them gasped in shock, and the conductor’s voice crackled over the intercom, urging everyone to remain calm.


As the shaking subsided, Lucy and Decos exchanged worried glances. “Are we okay?” Lucy asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Decos nodded, though he felt a knot of fear in his stomach. They looked out the window again, and to their surprise, the little house they had admired was still standing, though the garden was now a mess of scattered flowers.


Once the train came to a halt, the conductor announced that they would be stopping for a while to assess the situation. The passengers began to murmur, some expressing concern while others shared stories of their own experiences with earthquakes. Lucy and Decos, however, felt a strange sense of adventure bubbling within them.


“Let’s go explore the house!” Decos suggested, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Lucy hesitated for a moment, but the thrill of adventure was too enticing to resist. They slipped out of the train and made their way toward the cottage, their hearts pounding with anticipation.


As they approached, they noticed that the door was slightly ajar. With a shared glance, they pushed it open and stepped inside. The interior was cozy, filled with the scent of old books and freshly baked bread. Dust motes danced in the sunlight streaming through the windows, and they could hear the faint sound of a clock ticking in the background.


“Hello?” Lucy called out, her voice echoing in the silence. There was no response. They wandered through the rooms, discovering trinkets and treasures that told stories of the past. A dusty piano sat in the corner, and Decos couldn’t resist playing a few notes, filling the air with a haunting melody.


Suddenly, they heard a soft voice from the kitchen. “Who’s there?” A kind-looking woman appeared, her eyes wide with surprise. “I didn’t expect visitors this early!”


Lucy and Decos introduced themselves, explaining how they had come to explore after the earthquake. The woman smiled warmly and invited them to sit down for tea. As they chatted, they learned that she had lived in the house for many years, filling it with love and laughter despite the occasional tremors of the earth.


After a delightful conversation, Lucy and Decos realized it was time to return to the train. They thanked the woman for her hospitality and promised to visit again. As they walked back, they felt a sense of connection to the little house and its owner, a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there could be moments of warmth and friendship.


When they finally boarded the train again, they looked out the window one last time. The house stood resilient against the backdrop of the rising sun, a symbol of hope and adventure. “What a morning!” Decos exclaimed, and Lucy nodded in agreement, her heart full of stories yet to be told. 


And so, their adventure continued, with the promise of more discoveries waiting just around the bend. As the train resumed its journey, Lucy and Decos settled into their seats, their minds still buzzing with the morning's events. The landscape outside transformed into a blur of colors, each passing tree and field igniting their imaginations. 


“Do you think we’ll have more adventures like that?” Lucy asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Decos grinned, “I hope so! Every stop could lead to something amazing.” 


They began to brainstorm what their next adventure might entail. Perhaps they would find a hidden waterfall or meet a group of friendly travelers. The possibilities seemed endless, and with each idea, their enthusiasm grew.


Suddenly, the train slowed down, and the conductor announced their next stop. “This is Maplewood Station, folks! A quaint little town known for its beautiful parks and friendly locals.” Lucy and Decos exchanged glances, their hearts racing at the thought of exploring yet another new place.


As the train came to a complete stop, they quickly gathered their belongings and hopped off, eager to see what Maplewood had in store for them. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of laughter from nearby children playing in the park.


“Let’s go there!” Decos pointed towards the park, where colorful kites danced in the sky. They ran towards it, their laughter mingling with the joyful sounds around them. 


Once they reached the park, they were greeted by a vibrant scene. Families picnicked on the grass, and artists painted the picturesque landscape. Lucy and Decos decided to join in the fun, grabbing a kite from a nearby vendor. 


As they ran across the open field, the kite soared high above them, a symbol of their carefree spirit. They spent the afternoon playing games, making new friends, and sharing stories of their adventures. 


As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the park, Lucy and Decos sat on a bench, reflecting on their day. “I can’t believe how much we’ve experienced already,” Lucy said, her heart full. 


Decos nodded, “And it all started with that little house and the earthquake. Who knew it would lead us here?” 


With the stars beginning to twinkle above, they made a pact to always seek out new adventures, no matter where life took them. The world was vast and full of surprises, and they were ready to embrace every moment. 


As they boarded the train once more, they looked out at the twinkling lights of Maplewood, knowing that this was just the beginning of many more adventures to come.

Friday, March 7, 2025

Ghost In A Tree

 **Ghost in a Tree**


In the heart of the lush countryside, just outside the quaint village of Desu, stood a magnificent banyan tree. Its sprawling branches reached out like welcoming arms, and its thick, gnarled roots twisted into the earth, creating a natural fortress. The villagers often spoke of the tree in hushed tones, for it was said to be haunted by the spirit of a long-lost traveler who had once sought refuge beneath its shade.


One warm afternoon, two curious cats, Luna and Shadow, wandered away from their homes in Desu. Luna, a sleek black cat with bright green eyes, was adventurous and bold, while Shadow, a fluffy gray tabby, was more cautious and thoughtful. They had heard the tales of the banyan tree and decided to explore its mysteries.


As they approached the tree, the air grew still, and a sense of anticipation filled the atmosphere. The sun filtered through the leaves, casting playful shadows on the ground. Luna, ever the brave one, darted ahead, her tail high with excitement. Shadow followed closely, his heart racing with a mix of fear and curiosity.


“Look at how big it is!” Luna exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. “I bet there are secrets hidden in its branches!”


Shadow hesitated, glancing around as if expecting the ghost to appear. “Do you really think it’s true? That there’s a ghost here?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.


“Of course! Ghosts are just spirits of those who have stories to tell,” Luna replied, her confidence unwavering. “Let’s climb up and see if we can find it!”


With a flick of her tail, Luna began to scale the tree, her claws digging into the rough bark. Shadow, though nervous, couldn’t let his friend venture alone. He followed, albeit more slowly, his heart pounding in his chest.


As they reached a sturdy branch, they paused to catch their breath. The view from up high was breathtaking; the fields stretched endlessly, dotted with wildflowers swaying in the gentle breeze. But just as they were about to relax, a soft rustling sound echoed through the leaves.


Luna perked up, her ears twitching. “Did you hear that?” she whispered, her eyes wide with excitement.


Before Shadow could respond, a shimmering figure emerged from the trunk of the banyan tree. It was a translucent silhouette, glowing softly in the dappled sunlight. The ghostly figure looked like a traveler from another time, dressed in flowing robes, with a gentle smile that radiated warmth.


“Fear not, little ones,” the spirit said, its voice like a gentle breeze. “I am the guardian of this tree, and I have watched over this land for centuries.”


Luna, filled with awe, stepped forward. “Why do you stay here?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.


The spirit sighed, a sound like rustling leaves. “I was once a wanderer, much like you. I sought solace in this tree, and in my final moments, I promised to protect it. Now, I am bound to this place, sharing my stories with those who dare to listen.”


Shadow, feeling braver now, asked, “What stories do you have?”


The spirit smiled, and as it began to recount tales of love, loss, and adventure, the cats listened intently. They learned of the village’s history, of the people who had come and gone, and of the dreams that had blossomed under the banyan’s branches.


As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the landscape, the spirit’s voice grew softer. “Remember, dear ones, every tree has a story, and every story deserves to be told. Cherish the memories of those who came before you.”


With that, the spirit began to fade, its form dissolving into the air like mist. Luna and Shadow watched in silence, their hearts filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude.


As they climbed down from the tree, the world felt different. The banyan tree was no longer just a tree; it was a keeper of stories, a bridge between the past and the present. They returned to Desu, their minds buzzing with the tales they had heard, ready to share the magic of the banyan tree with their friends.


From that day on, the two cats often visited the banyan tree, not just to seek the ghost but to listen to the whispers of the wind and the rustling leaves, knowing that every visit was a chance to learn and grow. And so, the legend of the ghost in the tree lived on, woven into the fabric of Desu, a reminder that every story, like every tree, has its place in the world.


                            END

“The Thirst That Could Not Leave”

 I used to live in the entire city. That is not a boast; it is a statement of geometry. Duskhaven had no suburbs, no outskirts, no exit sign...