Chester's Nest: A Narrative Fiction

“‘Is there no end to this accursed forest?’ said Thorin. ‘Somebody must climb a tree and see if he can get his head above the roof and have a look round. The only way is to choose tallest tree that overhangs the path. Of course “somebody” meant Bilbo” (Tolkien 172).

“James,” he says. We begin walking where there is a bundle of people and he looks concerned. “How about I send you to the sheriff’s station? They will surely help you out,” he says. “If it will help,” I say. The chirping of birds seems to follow me, it triggers a memory of home. When Mama and I would take short walks through the meadow behind our home. Whistling along with the bird's melody is what we did. Back then, I had no worries at all. Now, all I have is worries.

At the tree, fifteen years ago, Gene is scared to climb up it and jump off. But his

“It was good, it was a lot of good experience,” Jacob said. “I’ll go back next year.”

“By then I could feel the ground rumbling through my shoes. I saw the first water sluicing through the lowest part of the pasture, and I knew we didn't have time to make it to higher ground ourselves. In the middle of the field was an old cottonwood tree, broad-branched and gnarled, and we ran for that.” pg.12

The sun peeked in through some holes in the roof, making the water sparkle and dance; like the lights in the night sky. Roots from the tree had grown through the roof of the cave. Freddy swam in and out and around the roots. It’s like our cattail maze.

Upon entering the yard, they discovered the tree house. The tree house was inaccessible but for a frayed piece of rope that had once been part of a ladder. The rope was beyond the reach of Sherman and the others, so they swung themselves over the lower branches of the tree to reach the lower landing of the tree house. They successfully managed to hoist themselves onto the lower landing from where they began to run along the labyrinth-like walkways and steps in a race to reach the top of the tree house. Sherman was running ahead of the others but tumbled when one of the worn slatted steps splintered and gave way. Sherman fell a long distance to the ground and sustained multiple injuries.

I stop at the edge of the clearing and look at her for a moment. "I'll be back," I repeat, trusting that they'll just take my word for it. They nod and go back to eating and talking. I walk through the darkening forest, leaves crunching with barely a sound under my boots, ferns, bushes, and low branches brushing my clothes and face. I act as a silent shadow moving through the trees until I reach the tree-line.

“When can I see him?” You ask, the excitement building in your heart. You couldn’t wait to see him again.

“Of course,” she replies looking up at the guards as she waves her hand. They both suddenly get a daydreamy look to their eyes and head off toward the village

“Looks like we’re bunking together once again, huh?” I said grabbing his shoulder. It had been a good while since we had seen each other, there couldn’t have been anyone I trusted more to have my back than Banks.

"Yeah," Phin smiled, his eyes sparkling with nostalgia. Seriously? I'd missed that little shindig too, but Maddie's parties weren't amazing enough that you looked back on them so wistfully three weeks later. "That was pretty good. This one's gonna be better." He turned to me, that sparkle still lighting his eyes, though it was much less syrupy now and kind of perverse. "Killian's gonna be there."

“Well, it was. You’ll understand once I will tell you the reason why you are here at the moment, my dear.” he quickly said, as if that was the answer he was waiting for.

“That may be so, but I’m just meeting you. And I’ve known Phil for years. So I’m going to continue loving Phil,” Dan stood up, taking me with

"Y-yes, thanks Harry." She stuttered, obviously blushing at Harry who bit his lip. I watched him eye Taylor's dress, and he hummed in approval, which sent Taylor's cheeks into a