Sunlight filtered softly through the trees, leaves quivering in the gentle breeze, making patterns on the mossy floor. Birds chirped softly in the distance, their songs a pleasure to wake up to. It was a wonderful morning indeed. Freya stretched, yawned, and rolled over. She could hear the sound of the neighbour’s children; they were very playful today judging from the shrieks. After a quick wash, she left her house and almost bumped into little Fiona from next door.
“Hey, little lady. You’re speedy today!”
“Sorry Freya.” Squeaked Fiona, “It’s just that Freddie is trying to catch me!” She ran away giggling as her brother came tearing out of his house and chased her around the old oak tree.
Freya chuckled to herself, the start of summer had this effect on the younger ones. Longer days, no rain, trees and flowers in full bloom – she sometimes felt like running herself. Shaking her head of nostalgic thoughts, she headed toward the river. Freya loved living in the forest, the feeling of freedom was amazing, her neighbours were wonderful although they were all so different, they lived among each other in harmony. She had cousins who lived in the city, she’d only made the trip once, but it was awful. So smelly and dirty. Too many cars and people. Yes, she much preferred the woodland.
She sniffed the air, pine trees, honeysuckle, and that rich earthy scent you could only find near water. Delicious.
“Morning Hattie” she called as she passed the spiky old lady. Hattie never answered, but it was only polite to be kind to your elders. Even if they were slightly mean and cranky.
By the rivers edge, Freya could see Bobby and Brenda. Both greying slightly, they’d been together as long as she could remember.
“Hello, young Freya” Brenda turned to welcome her, almost knocking Bobby into the water in the process.
“Watch it, woman!” Bobby snapped, and scuttled away from the edge. “Freya. Bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning I see.”
Freya smiled. “As always Bobby. Never really see you up this early?”
“Well, the Mrs insisted I had a wash for some reason.” He shrugged and looked lovingly at Brenda. “Have to keep her happy.”
They snuggled together as they wandered off, they lived by the pine trees upstream where it was always cool and shady. They didn’t like the heat too much. ‘Each to their own’ Freya shrugged to herself while nodding a greeting to Mrs Deer, who had paused her morning walk to smell some wild roses.
After taking a drink from the crystal-clear water, she plopped down and listened. Robin was singing somewhere off to the left, his warbling carried to her on the soft breeze. He was such a busy thing, but always managed to find time for a song. Freya smiled; the kids were still shrieking at each other. A quiet rustle caught her attention, and she tilted her head slightly. Sammy was running along muttering something about forgetting the nuts again. He rushed off behind a group of elms, still talking to himself.
Freya sighed. She really did love it here. So peaceful and unspoilt, surrounded by nature in all its guises. Complete heaven. She really didn’t understand why her cousins chose to remain in the city. Closing her eyes, Freya relaxed and listened to the sounds of life in the woods. It felt as though the ground was vibrating.
She was shaken from her reverie by a thud followed by a panicked cry. Soon joined by screams of terror. Jumping to her feet, she paused to pinpoint the commotion. The oaks. The children! Freya ran as fast as she could, jumping over tree stumps and trampling groups of flowers. She skidded into the clearing and froze, unable to believe her eyes.
“FREYA! Run!” She spun around and saw Freddie at the other edge of the clearing, his sister keeping close and whimpering. Their mothers face appeared above them, and she screamed:
“Run, Freya. RUN”
***
“Hold up Mike.” George raised his hand and the other man cut the engine of the heavy-duty felling vehicle. The massive oak they’d just cut down had fallen into a clearing. Animals were scampering, making all sorts of noise, disappearing into the surrounding trees. Then silence.
Mike climbed from the cab, and stood next to George. A fox lurched into the clearing and halted, wide-eyed in shock, then whipped around before running off.
“Did you hear that?” Mike looked in amazement at George as he whispered:
“Run Freya. Run.”
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