Page 12 of Scarred

Where is that? Mike asked.

“Where my mother wanted me to go,” Amma answered.

What if something bad happens? Sam asked.

“I’m sure my mom wouldn’t send me and the others to somewhere dangerous.” Amma said, more to reassure herself than the squirrels. She quickly put her tools away and kicked dirt over the fire. While she knew if the fire at her home remained unchecked, it would undoubtedly burn down most of the forest, Amma didn’t want to be the cause of any damage. Swinging her pack on her back and squaring her shoulders, Amma prepared to enter the unknown.

“Up.” Mike and Sam scampered up her body to sit on her shoulders. “Deep breath.” She closed her eyes and jumped.

Chapter 5

Amma

Portals weren’t really used in the modern world because of all the technology that could and would detect them. Amma and her family did all they could to keep the eyes of the world away. Amma had forgotten the disorienting feeling of being everywhere and nowhere. No sound. No light. No up. No down. She just was or was not. Amma feared her mind would snap before sensations returned. Then she landed on her back in the foreign forest. Two small furry bundles landed on her stomach, knocking the wind out of her.

“Ouch,” Amma rubbed her stomach as Mike and Sam tumbled to the ground. “Maybe I need to put you guys on a diet.”

You would starve us? Mike asked. Not let us eat?

“You know that is not what I just said.” Amma sat up and looked around. The portal had closed, and only a few weak moonbeams trickled through the high tree leaves. The trees were massive, maybe even bigger than the largest redwood in the human world.

What do we do now? Sam asked.

“Explore,” Amma answered. “Wherever this is, we have to find a way to survive.”

The air smells funny, Mike complained. Can we go back?

“No.” Amma stood and twisted her upper body to crack her back. Above her the portal snapped shut, leaving them with no way back. “This is where we are now, and we will learn to live.” She took a deep breath. She placed her hands on her hips and surveyed the clearing, trying to figure out which way they should start exploring She wondered how far they would have to walk before they saw any signs of civilization or ran into someone from her family

Which way? Sam asked.

“Whichever way we want to choose.” Amma helped Mike and Sam climb on her shoulders and then started walking.

Adventure! Sam squeaked. I love adventures.

“Do you?” Amma teased. “I would think your big belly would get in the way of any adventures.”

I am ready for winter, Sam huffed in offense.

“Yes you are.” She gave him a pat on the head. She loved how much winter weight the brothers were putting on. She just worried they were nowhere near winter in the world they had fallen into. Hopefully the brothers’ bodies would adjust without too much trouble.

As they walked deeper into the forest, Amma found the active animal and plant life enticing. Some seemed to glow and dance as they passed. Even the colors were more vibrant than on earth. She stopped to watch a caterpillar as long as her forearm crawled along a branch. Its body glowed with stripes of blues and reds.

“Hello, beautiful.” Amma stopped and gave the little insect a bow. “Your colors brighten up the forest.”

You can talk to me! The caterpillar wiggled its whole body and the stripes changed to pink and white.

“Yes, I can talk to you. Do you mind if I touch you? Your skin looks so soft.”

You can touch me.

Amma carefully stroked its back. “I love it. Where are you off too?”

It is time for me to change.

“I wish I could stay and watch over you.” Amma said.

No need. I will find others like me, and we will cocoon together.

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