We walked slowly the next evening. It was tiring and I wished I could help my mother by carrying her but I was tired myself.

How could I help her if I couldn’t help myself?

“Mum. According to this map, we are already very close to Shadowcrest. Don't worry. We'll just spend one more night in the forest and we'll be there in no time.” I comforted her while leading her too.

“Okay.” She simply nodded, too tired to say anything else.

When it was evening in the dense forest, we walked along a narrow path, the tall canopy above cast a patchwork of shadows on forest ground.

Our clothes...