CLARITY
Athena Clarity ran wild there. It was her safe haven. Her secret base lie deep within. The forest was a hide away, her place to think and concentrate. “Hello world!” Her bird cry flew outwards on shining steel wings. Her best friend would come here, her secret spot, and Athena’s life would be perfect.
“Sheili, Sheili! I have something to show you!” Athena blurted. Sheili didn’t reply; just gestured at her, as if to say, Let’s go! Sheili took Athena’s hand and Athena led her away into the dark woods. Athena took one step inside and felt Sheili shudder. She squeezed her hand and took her farther and farther in, to the secret place.
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The news headlines burned a hole in Athena’s mind. It was unthinkable. Impossible, that Sheili Daniels would have given away her secret spot. “The land, perfect for homes, will be cleared over the next two weeks, and houses will be built for families to live in Leafalli Town. Daddy, Sheili gave it away! My secret spot! My jungle home!” Her mind was like a hurricane, going over every possible safe spot until it came down to one thing: Sheili was a liar, a thief, and a cheat.
There it was! The safe spot was sitting right in the hedges, waiting for her. Athena crawled in to the bush, deep within to a trickling stream that concealed a chair, a stash of candy, and a few toys. “They won’t blow it over when they see my things here.” She insisted to herself. Never the less, she took the most valuable toys and candy and ran away, her brown and green dress trailing behind her like a Leafeon tail.
It’s boring in here! Athena thought to herself. Her daddy told her to stay inside today, so here she was, crammed up in a plain, white box of a room. Athena had never thought to paint it, as she had a far more colorful room in the woods, but nor had she ever slept much in there, preferring outdoors and animals. A light knock on the door woke her up from her daydream.
“Daddy!” She yelled, and ran down the stairs as quickly as possible. Athena threw open the door, only to stare at Sheili’s dad’s pants.
“Oh,” she said, “It’s you. My father isn’t home now, you may go.” Then she slammed the door in his face. When she was on her own again, Athena began giggling hysterically. As she giggled, an idea formed in her head, and she got out her paints, and started to paint. When she finally finished, the forest wall painting popped out at her. Then, from one corner to the doorway, Athena painted the floor like leaves on the ground brilliant greens; yellows and reds dotted the floor.
“If I can’t go to the forest, the forest will come to me!” She sang, and danced down the hall, grabbing her shoes, hat, and gloves. She remembered to write a quick note, right before running out into the street. Athena ran as fast as she could sprint, until she was deep in the forest. She combed the bush for her secret spot, finding all her things where she left them. She gathered up all the items in her arms, and then saw a little note peeking out of her candy bag. Athena dropped everything to read the note that became her life, right there in her enchanted secret spot, and she read aloud:
“To whom this may concern:
We have seen your things here and thought you may be interested in this opportunity we have to offer. Two miles south of this city, there is a Pokémon teaching and training facility. There, you may learn about Pokémon and how to train one. You may, if you choose, go there to get proper food and water, good clothes, and education to start a Pokémon journey. Simply go to the counter and tell them you are ‘Letter’. We have spoken to them about you, and they know that you may or may not come. No matter what you choose, we do ask that you leave your current position so we may clear away this land for housing.
Yours Truly,
Jon Daniel”
Athena’s eyes widened as she envisioned what her father would say. No, she thought, He will say no. But what if… She gathered up her things once more and ran down the forest road one last time, away from her safe haven. She ran away from her secret base deep in the forest. She ran away from her place to think and concentrate. She ran away from her life. Her enchanted, secret place had done it’s duty: gotten her to a turning point in life, where things would become better; and worse.