The Transition Keeper (short story #2)

Spring to Summer

---

This is series of 4 seasonal short stories, taking place in the center of an enchanted forest with variations according to each transition. I was inspired by the thought of a singular entity who transitions the seasons. (Disclosure: unedited)

Story #1 Spring (if you want to read it)

---

Photo by Machi Kouyo on Unsplash

A girl–of no name and no age–stepped out of and separated herself from the trunk of a large weeping willow tree by the edge of a flowing creek. She emerged from her time of growth and rejuvenation ready for what came next. Her hair flowed long and green, vines and florals twined within. Her light skin, dew-kissed and fresh, felt the coming warmth. Once more her purpose wrapped her with illusionary garments of nature; leaves and blooms adorned her, vines wound around her legs and arms. Her eyes glowed green, and sparked with focused intent. She had one purpose to fulfill.

The sun-soaked moss covered the ground and warmed the soles of her feet. The girl moved with gentle grace across the glen, careful not to crush the blooms that filled the forest. The deer and other creatures of the forest arrived with their new young in perfect time to pay honor to the girl and all she represented. In the trees above, birds chirped and chipmunks chittered. Light shone through the leaves and branches of the now dressed trees. The forest had fully awakened; it was aware and watched over all that grew and became within the forest. A cool breeze sifted playfully in and throughout the forest, tussling the girl’s hair in welcome. She skipped and danced with the spirit of the air. The branches bowed and swayed with the wind, releasing drops from the most recent rains. Tipping her face to the sky, the water droplets showered and refreshed her. The girl then bowed, giving thanks. The forest knew her, welcomed her.

A swallow soared down and landed on her shoulder. She ruffled the small bird’s neck. “Here to join me then?” she questioned.

The bird offered a song in return, and she and the bird made their way to the path to Sanctuary. The dirt path, though barely distinguishable with all the new growth, called to her. She would always find her way to it, a beacon amidst change. There was no deviation.

The path wound its way through the forest, leading her to the tall wooden structure centered in a clearing amidst the Enchanted Forest. The open-air arches stood without support, magically held together, though overgrown with ivy, vines, and dotted with blooms of all colors and sizes–some as large as the girl’s head. The swallow left her shoulder, and joined others at the top of the arches to wait and watch below. Her dirt path merged with a soft variety of mosses, like carpet under her feet, carrying her to the doorway.

Her purpose, her reason for being, awaited her. She stepped over the threshold into Sanctuary as she had done for ages upon ages and trailed her vine-laced fingers over the tops of the wooden pews. Others came to Sanctuary, for what purpose she did not know, but this time was hers alone.

Her green eyes trained on the Tree at the end of the structure, growing large and wild through and out the open arches. The tree appeared as a large Magnolia with branches graced with waxy greens and full white blooms. It was always a surprise. The girl smiled. She approached and curtsied. Butterflies flitted about the tree; some came to acknowledge her, landing in her hair.

“It is time,” she spoke aloud to none who could speak in return. The girl with no name and of no age, removed a wooden-handled dagger from nowhere, at her back. Without hesitation and with full intention, she sliced the blade across the palm of one hand and then her other.

Golden yellow and bright green essence flowed out from her. She placed her bleeding palms on the trunk of the tree above a large circular shape etched into the bark. The shape was no more calendar than clock, but shared with her all she needed to know. It was time. The girl gripped the dial turning it from the segment indicating Spring to the newly available segment determining Summer. Her green and gold essence filled the circular shape like a vessel until she was no more, dissolving into a pile of flower petals and swept gently away by the warming breeze.

The air quickly warmed and grew thick. Blooms of different stock and variety emerged while previous ones withered, their time finished. The animals of the forest looked for shade or moved toward the water’s edge to remain cool. Trees of the forest continued to mature and grow a thicker canopy, providing for all those under their care. All was well, the dance of summer had begun.

This was the transition. She was the keeper.

---

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this story and would like to read the transition from Winter to Spring, you can read below…