The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness― John Muir
Kay was a six-year-old girl who loved visiting the manmade forest with her parents every weekend. She was an Indian with a Greek name that meant the pure one.
The forest had a serenity that none in the vicinity had. Every morning, the manmade forest came alive with the beautiful songs of birds, the cackling of geese, the gentle whisper and rustle of leaves, and the crunching of dried leaves beneath heavy footsteps. The dark canopy of the sky, filled with stars and planets, led one to a sense of heavenly bliss.
Within this vibrant setting lived packs of dogs and a single, lonely cat. The dogs had spread themselves across various spots in the forest, while the cat had claimed her territory among the hedges near the entrance. She would growl and frighten the dogs that attempted to drive her out, puffing herself up to appear larger and causing the dogs to shiver in fear. On normal days, the cat sat meekly on the stones lining the hedge, greeting passersby with a gentle meow.
Philanthropists and animal lovers often brought biscuits, milk, or grains for the birds, and both the lonely cat and the packs of dogs knew whom to follow for their treats.
Little kids loved to join their parents for morning walks. The early morning calm brought numerous questions to their minds, and sometimes, their parents would turn these ideas into a joyful jog through the forest. Kay’s dad, Nico, was tall and robust. He enjoyed breaking into energetic strides while Kay lagged. The forest was safe and well-guarded, allowing little children to explore on their own. Often, their parents would run ahead, reach their destination, and then return to their kids.
Kay was popular among the morning walkers. She knew the elderly man who trudged slowly, carrying a bag in one hand and a large pack of grains in the other. Nico would pick up the pack of grains, and the elderly man would shout to Nico, saying, “Leave it near the water tank at the top.” Nico would then nod and run off, and the elderly man would continue his walk. Kay would love to meow to the cat and run ahead.
One day after the rains, Kay saw a man with a tiny puppy. Kay hadn’t seen one during those days. The pup was the smallest and the only one. A few days later she came across three pups that were white and beige coloured. The dogs would never hurt Kay or any of the morning walkers. Kay stood watching the pups and making soft sounds. Soon it became a daily routine. The pups loved her. Two of the pups would always sit close to each other and never left each other’s company but the third one was plumper and adorable, Kay called it spotty because of the large yellow spot on its back. Spotty would follow Kay to the top and return to its home in the clearing again. It was a curious one, it would not listen to the other dogs. One day when Kay reached the usual spot, the energetic pup wasn’t visible. The other two pups sat close to each other as usual.
Kay smiled, put her hand out lovingly and said,’ Where’s Spotty today? The pups yelped and looked to the distant end. Kay lept, ran towards the end and found the energetic pup jumping and following her. She danced and lept and the Spotty followed suit. Kay hid between the grasses but Spotty was quick to see her.
Kay’s last best spot was behind a huge anthill in the centre of the walking track covered by cacti. She went close to the anthill and bent down. Suddenly, thunder resounded in the sky, and Kay’s foot slipped into the large opening in the anthill. She was dragged inside and saw numerous tiny pillars of the finest sand. Ants clung to these pillars, they seemed like little architects inspecting their grand designs.
The interiors were vast and dark with a faint glow illuminated by tiny, shimmering crystals embedded in the walls. one could see endless tunnels branching out, and ants of all sizes bustled about. Some ants carried tiny leaves, while others transported grains of sand with precision, creating and expanding their intricate home. Kay marvelled at their teamwork and dedication, but her awe soon turned into fear as the ground beneath her trembled slightly.
A soft, slithering sound reached her ears. Her heart raced as she turned to see the enormous body of a snake emerging from the shadows. Its scales gleamed like wet stones, and its eyes glowed yellow, fixed on her. Kay froze, unsure whether to scream or run.
Kay’s fears turned into astonishment when she saw a little spotted creature scamper into view. It was Spotty, the pup Kay couldn’t believe her eyes. Spotty barked and wagged his tail as if to reassure her. The ants, too, seemed to react, scurrying faster and creating a path leading deeper into the anthill.
The snake slithered closer, its tongue flicking the air. Spotty barked furiously, standing protectively in front of Kay. “Good boy, Spotty!” Kay whispered, trying to gather her courage. Spotty turned to her and then barked toward the tunnel, signalling her to follow. With a deep breath, Kay moved, carefully stepping over the delicate pillars and tunnels.
As they went deeper, Kay noticed the walls were lined with chambers. Inside, she saw fascinating sights: one chamber was filled with shimmering honeydew droplets, and another had larvae tenderly cared for by ants. She even saw ants working in perfect harmony to carry food to a central storage area. “These ants are so organized,” Kay thought, “ almost like a school.”
The snake’s movements echoed behind them, and Kay quickened her pace, trusting Spotty. As they reached a larger chamber, Spotty nudged her toward a hidden passage that sloped upwards. He barked insistently, urging her to climb. The tunnel led them to safety, emerging near a tall cactus under the open sky. It was well lit with the morning sunshine glistening through the dew drops. Nico was searching for Kay all around, Kay collapsed to the ground, trembling with fear but relieved. Spotty licked her face, wagging his tail with pride.
Kay hugged Spotty tightly and whispered, “You’re my hero, Spotty.” The encounter taught Kay many valuable lessons. She realized how hard the ants worked together to survive. She understood how Spotty’s loyalty saved her that day. Kay also learned to protect nature, remembering the little lives that make up the world.
Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don’t be afraid.― Frederick Buechner
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