Her screaming stifles down to a low sob.

The beautiful woman is hunched over, comforting herself.

I inch closer to her as she quiets down.

Fighting the discomfort of the somber aura around us.

I wait until it is silent in the forest once again.

As I look around, the beauty around me becomes apparent.

Have I not noticed it before?

The curvature of the trees, the colors of the plants.

How long have I spent being ignorant to the wonders around me?

While I admire the scenery, the woman looks in my direction.

When I begin to look back, she vanishes from my view.

But before she fully disappears, I notice a slight smile on her once pained lips.

I sit in silence, now alone.

Wishing I could have seen her for a few more seconds...

I enjoy the new found reality around me,

and continue on my path through the forest.