In the heart of a quaint town nestled by the edge of a lush forest under a hillside, there lived Lukas, a quiet young teen. He was known to spend ungodly hours in the forest. It was peaceful there. He had always preferred the company of animals to humans. His human friends already abandoned him long ago.
One day on his journey to the forest, he noticed some classmates harassing a small rabbit. He was no fighter, but he tried his best to stop them. He ended with face, planted on the floor, but the rabbit escaped. Lukas got back up, but he was upset. During the fray, the hooligans smashed his wooden locket. A gift from his beloved late grandfather. With a sigh he dropped the fragments to the ground.
Surprisingly however, the rabbit from earlier returned. It nuzzled close to his leg then promptly hopped towards the forest as if prompting him to follow. So, he did, going deeper to the forest than ever. Until reaching a hidden, glowing pond. He saw something incredible. A butterfly with wings of shimmering hues, reflecting the colors of a summer sunrise.
To his amazement, the butterfly transformed before his very eyes into a luminous figure—a butterfly spirit. Her tall form emanated an otherworldly glow, and her eyes sparkled like a star in a night sky. Lukas was usually afraid of meeting new people, but with her, he felt nothing but warmth.
The spirit thanked him for saving the little rabbit. She flew towards him and introduced herself as Lila. Lukas introduced himself as well, asking if he would be welcome, where she is now. Lila replied with a smile.
Days turned into weeks, and Lukas and Lila spent their time together, exploring the forest's hidden corners and whispering secrets only they knew. They marveled at nature, its intricate tapestry of life unfolding before their eyes. In each other's presence, they found solace and understanding, a profound connection that transcended their differences.
As their adventures continued, Lukas's admiration for Lila deepened. He found himself captivated by her ethereal presence, her inquisitive spirit, headstrong nature, and love for the world.
It was during one starry night, they lay on the hillside spotting the constellations, did he realize that he had fallen for her. In a moment of vulnerability, Lukas confessed his feelings to Lila, his voice filled with a mix of hope and trepidation. In that awkward silence, Lila took his hands into hers. She nervously told him that she accepted his feelings but was hesitant to return them. As she is a spirit she is called to the wilds of the world. Lila yearned to explore the world, to experience the freedom only the skies could offer.
It was a bittersweet revelation that left Lukas torn between his desire to keep Lila by his side and his understanding of her need to soar. Unable to face her at this moment, he turned away. The memories of abandonment crept its way into his heart. But in the midst of the torrent, he remembered Lila's smile. He determined long ago never to never be the one that takes it away.
He walked back to the remorseful spirit and embraced her. Whispering to her "go on. fly into those skies you love dearly. As long as you're happy, I'll be alright". With tearful eyes Lila whispered in return, that she'll never forget him, and he'll be in her heart till time itself ends. With that, she disappeared into the night sky as a butterfly.
A year passed on… One day Lukas had wandered once again into the forest. He found himself again near that fateful pond so long ago. Walking up to it, he found a box near the water's edge. Most curious this finding was. He went closer to it and opened it, to find his grandfather's locket, now fully fixed. He held it close to his heart, smiled, and wept.
- Harith Weeraman
32nd batch
1st Place
Talents Literary Competition 2023
Short story category
Organised by he Arts Circle, FMS, USJ
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