We decided to take a break by the river after gathering the supplies we needed, sitting on the smooth rocks. I stared at the clear water, watching my dishevelled reflection, occasionally glancing around the riverbank, a place I had never ventured into the forest before.
Honestly, this was the first time I had entered the forest and stumbled upon such a vast flower meadow, filled with all kinds of plants and trees.
We both sat in silence, enjoying the peacefulness, listening to the flowing water, the sounds of small birds, and the buzzing of a few insects.
"Aunt May," I began, breaking the silence hesitantly, my voice still weak and hoarse, "How long have you been in this forest? And... how have you managed to survive here for so long? Aren't you lonely like I am? I mean, what about your husband and your child?"
Aunt May seemed a little surprised and fell silent for a moment after hearing my words, which she thought sounded mature for someone my age. Then she sighed deeply before speaking. "Of course I am, Jia. But loneliness is a good teacher. It teaches us to appreciate ourselves, and in the end, it shows us how important our connections with others are."
"... There's also a saying that 'silence is golden,' Jia,” Aunt May added.
Her words touched my heart. I looked at her with newfound admiration. I had a thousand more questions in my mind, but I felt like what Aunt May had said was true, so I then asked one or two more questions. "Haven't you ever thought about leaving this place? And also, Aunt May, you haven't answered some of my questions from earlier."
Aunt May smiled faintly. "I've tried to think about leaving this place many times. But every time I try, I always come back. There's something here that makes me feel connected, even though I don't know what it is. More precisely, I've become comfortable here. I also don't have anyone left, just like you." Aunt May smiled softly as she recalled what had happened to her during that tragic incident.