A Wild One Meets a Photographer at the Edge of the Woods
Hayden inched across the branch of the tree, trying to get as close to the edge of the forest as they could. They weren't supposed to be this close to town, Harper and all the others insisted it wasn't safe. But no one would tell them why it was dangerous and it looks so pretty, especially at sunset. So Hayden's brilliant idea was to climb a tree and get as close to the far side of the branch as possible. Then, technically, they'd still be in the forest and not breaking any rules.
"Just a little closer." Hayden whispered as they reached the edge of the branch. Then they heard a loud crack. "Oh come ahhh!" They yelled as the branch gave way and Hayden tumbled down. They landed with a thud on, not the ground, but something softer.
"Owe." A voice groaned. "Please get off."
"I am so so sorry." Hayden said, climbing off the figure. "Let me help you up."
"It's okay." The person said as Hayden pulled them up. "My fault for trying to see what was in the tree. Thought it was a cry- oh gods my camera!" They reached into their shoulder bag and pulled out a strange black object. It was a rectangle with a cylinder sticking out. They looked it over. "Oh thank the gods, Shelby's okay."
"Sh-Shelby?" Hayden asked.
"Yah, that's her name." They smiled sheepishly. "My grandma always said you should name your camera, it helps it take better photos or something. It's kinda silly but-"
"What's a camera?" The person blinked.
"Do you not know what a camera is?" Hayden shook their head. "Huh, odd. Well, it's this and when you press this button." The person got closer and showed Hayden the button. They pressed it and there was a clicking sound, accompanied by a flash. In a clear window was a still image of the area in front of them..
"Cool."
"Right?"
"So, what are you doing here?"
"I've gotta take some photos of the forest for class. Do you know any good spots?"
"I know all the best spots."
"Really? Will you show me?"
"One condition." The person looked at Hayden, slightly worried. "What's your name?"
"Oh, call me Clay." Hayden stuck out a hand.
"I'm Hayden. Nice to meet you." The two shock hands. "Alright, follow me. There's this really pretty honeysuckle bush by the waterfall. Oo, and we might see a deer." Hayden lead their new friend through the forest, talking a mile a minute as they did.
@avernotownship










