bird I tangled in roots”
The next morning she was ready like usual but she groaned when she realized today was the first day
back from their fall break. She rushed down the stairs and ate her breakfast her mom had baked for
her, freshly baked French toast with whipped cream, powdered sugar and a few strawberries. It looked
absolutely delicious. She ate it all in a few bites and went to her dads office to say goodbye.as she
opened the old wooden door she saw her dad sitting at his desk writing a news report. “Dad?” Sonya
called out to him “oh, yes sweetheart? Sorry im just finishing up some work things.” He replied back
“are you and mom fighting again?” She said as she sighed “no, don't worry about it,we were just
talking not fighting.” He smiled in reassurance trying to calm his daughter “dad, you don't have to
lie…” she argues back “sweetheart is it time for school?” He reminds her “oh yeah, bye dad, see you
after school.” She started walking to school wondering if she will see Delilah at school. She had never
seen her before so she is probably new.
She walked into the school to her locker. She grabbed a few books and headed to class. Later that
afternoon she watched as the bell finally struck 4:00 Sonya packed up her things and rushed out the
door.
when Sonya got home she didn’t even bother to go inside, she when around the leaf covered gate to
the old forest behind their home, to the big tree to meet with Delilah.
As Sonya made her way through the familiar paths in the forest. When she reached her favorite tree,
she spotted Delilah sitting on the platform, her dark hair framing her pale face as she intently carved
something into the trunk.
You really don’t need any of that outside tension,” she said, her voice soothing.
Sonya felt a rush of comfort, warmth spreading through her. “You’re right. It’s nice to escape it all with
you. Same time tomorrow?”
“Absolutely,would you like to join me tonight too?” Delilah said, her smile bright as she looked out into
the forest. “I’ll always be here for you, Sonya. Just us, away from everything.” “Yeah, I will come.”
Sonya said
As Sonya headed home, she couldn't shake the feeling of being pulled deeper into Delilah’s world. The
promise of their secret hideaway and shared creativity felt safe, but somewhere in the back of her
mind, she wondered how far from reality she was drifting. Still, the warmth of friendship kept her
coming back for more. And Delilah was a lot more comforting then home or school life.
“Hey, Delilah!” Sonya called, her spirits lifting at the sight of her friend.
“Hi! I was just thinking about you,” Delilah replied, looking up with a warm smile. “Isn’t it
nice to escape out here? Everything in the outside world feels so… noisy, doesn’t it?”
Sonya chuckled, settling down next to her. “You have no idea. School is a lot to handle
right now.”
Delilah nodded knowingly. “Exactly. Out here, it’s like we have our own little universe. No
distractions, just us and the trees.” She twirled a strand of hair around her finger, her eyes
glinting. “We can create whatever reality we want.”
“Yeah, it's definitely a nice break,” Sonya agreed, her thoughts wandering to the chaos of
home. Delilah's enthusiasm was comforting, and Sonya found herself wanting to linger in
this secluded world a little longer.
“Oh yeah, where were you at school? Do you go to school?”.sonya asked “no i dont go
to school i am homeschooled.” Delilah replied “oh, okay fun!” She replied back “I just
stay in the forest all day long, it's much better, wouldn’t you love to join me? It’s a lot
more peaceful.”
“Sounds fun! But what about school and everything else, I still have to go to school?”
Sonya asked, a hint of hesitation in her voice.
Delilah waved her hand dismissively. “Yeah, that stuff is overrated. Here, we can focus on
what truly matters—our friendship and creativity. Everything else can wait.