Progressive 19
When the Forest Sleeps
Adrian was always busy. During the day, he went from one thing to another—meetings, schoolwork, and chores. He liked to get things done, but sometimes he got angry quickly. People around him tried to avoid his grumpy moods. Only Emma, a new classmate, seemed calm around him.
One afternoon, Adrian and Emma disagreed about a project. Adrian raised his voice, and Emma looked upset. As she walked away, Adrian felt a little sorry but didn’t say anything.
That evening, Adrian went to the forest near his home. The forest was quiet and peaceful. The soft rustle of leaves, the chirping of crickets, and the hoot of an owl made him feel calm. He walked along a narrow trail, listening to the sounds around him. Sitting on a fallen log, Adrian whispered, “The forest sleeps.” Here, he could relax. No one yelled, no one rushed him, and no one expected anything.
The next day, Adrian noticed that Emma avoided him. She didn’t talk or ask questions like before. He wondered if he should apologize, but the thought made him nervous.
The following evening, Emma came to Adrian after school. “Can I talk to you?” she asked.
“Sure,” Adrian said.
“I heard you go to the forest at night,” Emma said. “Can I come too? I feel stressed, and maybe it could help me.”
Adrian was surprised. No one had asked to share his special place before. But he nodded. “Okay. Meet me there at eight.”
That night, they walked quietly along the trail. Adrian felt shy, but Emma looked happy. She listened to the wind and watched the trees.
“It’s so peaceful,” she said. They reached the log where Adrian usually sat.
Adrian nodded. “This is the only place that feels quiet.”
They sat together, listening to the soft sounds of the forest. After a while, Adrian spoke. “Emma, I’m sorry about the other day. I shouldn’t have been so harsh.”
Emma looked at him. “Thank you. That means a lot.”
Adrian smiled. “I need to carry this calm with me, not just leave it in the forest.”
Emma said, “It’s hard to slow down. But noticing people more can help.”
Adrian nodded. “Yes. I appreciate how hard you work.”
Emma smiled a little. Adrian felt happy inside.
The next day, Adrian acted differently. He didn’t rush, and he greeted Emma warmly. She smiled back. That night, he walked the forest trail alone. The forest was still his special place, but now he saw it as a place to reflect, not just escape.
When the forest sleeps, Adrian realized, it isn’t about running away. It’s about learning to be calm, kind, and to notice the people around you.
Comprehension Questions
Why did Adrian go to the forest at night?
How did Emma feel when Adrian raised his voice?
What did Emma ask Adrian about the forest?
How did Adrian feel after apologizing to Emma?
What lesson did Adrian learn from spending time in the forest?
Your Thoughts
Do you have a quiet place where you can feel calm? Describe it.
Why is it important to notice and appreciate other people?
How can spending time in nature help someone feel better?
