Remember Vincente,

Why do I remember Pops' voice?

Time does not wait for anyone.

Yeah, I know. I know it very well. That's why I kept running. I didn't look back.

Time is omnipotent and omnipresent.

You know, you could have said that in a simpler way. A chuckle came out of my mouth. I heard several voices around me.

Can't they just shut up? I can't hear my Pops if they keep this up.

Time is indifferent. It does not adjust to anyone nor does it wait for anyone. It will forever run without looking back. That's why you must always move forward, Vincente.

It was a voice that was deeply filled with wisdom and warmth.

Pops, I did what you said and it worked out great! Are you proud of me or what?

I imagined my grandfather, who would have smiled brightly at me and stroked my hair for doing a good job.

But if such a great being ever laid its eyes on someone, they will receive infinite glory.

Are you going senile at this time, Pops?

That's why you must always be faithful in time.

Yes, yes. I did as I was told. But, Pops, I'm a bit sleepy right now. I'll just close my eyes for a while. They should have taken care of me anyway, right?

*****

"Ugh…" It felt cold. Why was it so freaking cold? I got up, but my body felt stiff. My head was dizzy, and pain pounded mercilessly on my temples.

As Vincente opened his eyes, what greeted him were thick trunks proudly embedded in the earth. Towering trees with their wide branches spread around, lush green bushes, and leaves fallen on the ground. The refreshing sight, in contrast to his complicated thoughts, was a sight to behold.

How long has it been since I saw such scenery? Vincente got up and looked around as he brushed away the dirt that clung to his black suit and pants. He stretched his stiff shoulders and warmed up his body. How long have I been lying here that my whole body feels stiff and painful? His brows contorted with annoyance.

How did I even end up in a place like this? He looked around in bewilderment.Where in the world am I? The same scenery kept repeating: trees, bushes, leaves, and so on.

Common sense tells me that either I should be in the hospital if I survived or never wake up again with such vividness if not. It's not like it's a dream or anything. My senses are fine and working properly, and I can think clearly too.

Vincente moved his legs and walked where his feet led him. He recalled his last memory.

CRASH!

I somehow got into a car accident. That hurt a lot. Just thinking about it...

His body shook in fright.

The long grass sways as I part it. It's clear that I'm in the middle of a forest.

The occasional chirp of birds can be heard. The sky is bright, and the sun is high. It must be around noon right now. My watch isn't working properly. My phone is gone, and I am trapped in this unknown place.

Most of all, my body is fine, too. There are so many problems at once, with no answers.

Haaa…. First, let's find a way to get out of here.

How long have I been walking? I already encountered various flowers and herbs. I also spotted squirrells occasionally.

I already feel thirsty and weary. My whole body is covered in sweat. The sun is already setting. I should rest under a tree for now.

I took off my suit and placed it on the ground before sitting down. It's hot. And I'm really thirsty right now.

The wind blows gently, caressing his pale cheeks. His body unconsciously trembles. He looks around his surroundings once again and leans his body against the thick trunk. Really, where the hell am I?

Rustle, rustle

He opened his eyes and looked at the source of the sound. Was it a human or an animal? There must be many wild animals here, which is why he had been careful since earlier.

The sound of rustling bushes kept echoing. Vincente decided to get up and look around. The sound was coming from one o'clock. My heart beats rapidly with fear and nervousness.

I better hide. Even if I ran, I would get caught anyway. I've been walking for hours and my mind is already weary from being cautious. Vincente looked up at the thick tree where he was hiding under its shade.

He sized it up, observing if he could get on.

Rustle, rustle

Ah, shit. The sound was coming closer. It's not even giving me a second to think.

Vincente immediately grabbed the rough surface of the trunk and removed his shoes and socks as he placed his foot somewhere on the tree trunk that could stabilize him. His hands and feet moved busily but calmly as he ascended.

It was near me. He waited, his heart pounding, to see what would appear.

I really hoped it was a human.

Rustle. Rustle.

And then, his body, paralyzed along his circuit of thoughts, froze at the sight before him.

Indeed, a human appeared. But not the kind of normal human he had always known.

"Could you please come down? I believe you're in there." A melodious voice rang in this quiet space. Her vine-like hair shook as her head faced the place where I was. Her forest-colored eyes met mine as her red lips formed a smile on her verdant skin. Her elongated ears twitched as she spoke once again. "Should I let my magic come out and escort you down?"

He felt his mind was dazed, and then his mind woke up. He blinked and thought about what he had just seen and heard.

Magic? No, what kind of species is that? It's clearly an intelligent being, though. An alien?

His thoughts were interrupted once again when a rumbling noise was heard. Below, a thick, strong vine sprouted and coiled around the trunk like a living snake. Vincente stared blankly at it without moving. When he realized that it was coming for him, goosebumps rose on his skin.

"No, no." Vincente hurriedly spoke. "I can go down by myself, thank you."

"If you insist." At her words, the vines stopped moving as if they had never been in motion.

Vincente placed his foot on the thick vine and steadied himself as he came down. The texture of the vine was strangely thick and soft. It was truly a wonder.

After descending, I was able to face the woman in front of me. What was she supposed to be? It wasn't a cosplay because who would do that in the middle of the forest? And the phenomenon that had happened earlier simply didn't make sense in any way. I didn't think even science could explain it.

"Now, intruder," she smiled softly as her eyes formed crescents. Wow, she looked like a teenager. "Kindly follow me. You have some explaining to do."

"Ah." Intruder. I had been referred to as a trespasser. I let out a breath as I tried to make sense of the situation. So, where the hell is this place?