There is peace in silence, Therese has come to realise over time – it is not the noise of company that she craves but the soft rustle of wind through the empty branches of the trees. There was nothing here to remind Therese that she is lonely, no one here to remind her that she is different, that she cannot be like them – she cannot smile nor laugh nor sing. She exists, with no joy or happiness to lift her above the breaking waves, struggling to breathe in air but only water fills her lungs.
Autumn, and the winter that follows, is a welcome thing, the heat has left the day and the night is ice cold, and Therese finds it easier to pretend that she is home again – back amongst the pine trees of Jase’s kingdom, running by her mother’s side and playing amongst the snowfall.
She does not go back to the Forest – she should, but she doesn’t.
Instead the stays in the Fall’s, haunting the edge of the cool pool during the night and hiding amongst the tree’s when day comes. Each time the moon rose into the sky she would leave the safety of her cover, and move like a ghost towards the waters edge. The surface ripples as she enters, and Therese ignores the cold bite of the water against her legs. When the surface stills she can see her reflection staring back at her – a pale face, silver in the moonlight, long tangled forelock dripping like mercury down her forehead, and sad brown eyes.
’Smile’ she thinks, ’frowns do not win friends’ but then again, when has Therese ever had a craving for friends?