The Little Boy and his Magician- Stormy Woods

Skipping down the merry road, the little boy suddenly came to a halt. He could not believe his eyes when he saw it standing in front of him. How did he reach here? Where was he? How did he get lost?! He looked all around for the familiar road but this time he was really surrounded. And all alone. Trembling with fear he looked at the raging trees that had him surrounded. He was standing in a small clearing bordering the entrance of the Stormy Woods. His parents had always protected him from this path, had taught him every other way that ran throughout the town but this. But his Magician friend always said, "You cannot escape it my friend. Everyone has to pass through it. Its necessary." The thought reminded him of his trusted friend and he started calling out to him with all his might. He knew his Magician would never fail him. But he was wrong for as it grew darker he found himself more alone than ever. There was only one way out and that way ran through this forest. He had to cross it. Alone.

As he entered the darkness, the imposing trees seemed suddenly alert. Their usual swaying had lulled for they had sensed him like dogs sense the smell of meat. He kept his gaze down and hurried his steps. Everything that he had ever heard of these woods started rushing through his mind. Some said no one comes out alive from these woods, some said they do but are scarred for life. Others said it changed them for life, rather changed their life. But everyone had agreed that these woods were a nuisance. No matter how much you try to avoid it it has the uncanny habit of luring you into it. Their headman had tried to convince the Magician to do something about it, but strangely the wondrous man had politely declined the request. He always maintained that the woods were needed. "No wonder they all think he is weird", thought the little boy of his friend. He was particularly angry with him now. "Why did he not answer me? Just when I need him the most he vanishes. I will never talk to him again. He clearly does not love me." As he mumbled on the winds suddenly became furious. He was now right in the middle of it. Rains thrashed him this way and that. He started running with all his might, but he could hardly see anything. Wild with fear and desperation he didn't see a log in the middle of the path and fell flat on his face. Getting up, his eyes fell on an old, sorry umbrella. He thanked his lucky stars that it was a rather large one. It had him covered from all sides. He could now see where he was going. Boosted with renewed courage he started his last run. This time he will not stop, he thought and he will not keep his eyes down. He had to see his enemy eye to eye if he wanted to survive this...

Then suddenly he saw the end. Laughing with mad joy his speed doubled and he came out gasping for breath and collapsed on the sand. He was bruised and drenched to the skin. But he was alive. He started laughing with relief and as he looked up the setting sun painted the sky with brilliant hues of gold and crimson, as if to honor his victory. He had never seen the sky so beautiful. He felt so alive, so human, and most importantly, big. He had finally grown up.

"Ahchooo!" The little boy(now slightly grown) whipped around to find his Magician squeezing the rain out of his robes and wiping the mud off in between his sneezes. Forgetting all about his epiphanies he ran up to his Magician for a full round of fight.

"Why didn't you come when I called you? Why are you never around when I need you the most? Do you have any idea how I came out of that mad, mad place??? Why DON'T you do something about it??? Had it not been for this umbrella Goodness knows how I would've come out. I'm not talking to you,EVER. Then I'll see how you will go about without any friends. Hmph!"

The Magician fought very hard to keep a straight face. He loved to peeve his friend and he particularly loved their fights. Controlling his laughter he asked,

"Umbrella? Where? I see none."

"Have you gone blind too??? Its right her.."

The umbrella was indeed gone. Looking around and then at his drenched friend the little boy asked incredulously,

"YOU were the umbrella???"

"Ahchho!"

"But why didn't u meet me at the clearing when I was calling you?

"Oh please! You cannot possibly need my help to enter a forest. Besides I have far more important things to do than spoon feeding you...Ahchho!"

The little boy could not help but smile at his sneezing friend. He took his hand and started walking towards home.

"But why as an umbrella? You looked so funny!"

"Ahchho! I am a performer remember? I love theatrics! Ahchho! The things I have to do for you and all you do is scold me..." The Little Boy hugged His Magician like his favorite teddy and said, " There, there! I am sorry. I will tell momee to give you my share of milk too, today.."