Anak 2021 — Anna Ralphs

The path to the Willow Grove was a ribbon of mossy stones, winding through bracken and low shrubs that seemed to part respectfully as she passed. As Lila entered the grove, the air grew cooler, and the canopy above formed a vaulted ceiling of interlaced branches, each leaf shimmering with a faint, emerald glow.

“Who are you?” she whispered, more to the trees than to herself. anna ralphs anak

Lila stood, feeling both the weight and the wonder of that gift. She thanked the willows, promising to keep their stories alive, and hurried back through the forest, her heart thumping like the rhythm of a fresh loaf rising in the oven. The path to the Willow Grove was a