The Son Of Nature by Hi Na Ta at Inkitt

The Son of Nature

“Do you believe in me?”

“I will always believe in you.”

I had asked him this question countless times, but every time he answered, it felt like he was hearing it for the first time.

“What will you do when you see him?” he asked me.

I just stared at him and smiled, my silence speaking louder than any words—I didn’t know what I would do either. He turned his gaze back to the road, gripping the steering wheel tighter. I let my head rest against the seat, shifting my attention to the scenery passing by.

I was with my boyfriend, Aris, on our way to the province of Mindoro. It had been so long since I’d set foot in the place where I was born and years had passed since we left, moving to Manila to forget something I could never erase from my memory.

Flashback

(Phone ringing)

“Mommy!” I screamed.

“Do you hear your child screaming?”

“We’ll do everything—just give us back our child! Don’t hurt her!”

“One million pesos for your daughter’s life.”

The conversation went on, but this was all I managed to catch. Moments ago, I had been playing outside when a black car screeched to a halt, and men dragged me inside against my will. My family was the wealthiest in the province, so it was obvious—they wanted money.

I didn’t know where I was taken. Through a small, dirty window, I saw towering trees surrounding the abandoned building. It seemed we were deep in the forest.

I’m only seven years old, and I experienced the feeling of cold metal pressed against my temple, silencing my screams. I watched as the men drank and laughed, their tattoos and rough demeanors making them seem like monsters. I could only sit, tied hand and foot, and wait.

At some point, I fell asleep.

“AAAAAAHHH!”

I jolted awake to a bloodcurdling scream. My heart raced as I realized my hands and feet were free. But my relief turned to terror when I saw what was happening.

The men who had been drinking earlier were lifeless, their bodies entwined with long branches like vines strangling them. My wide eyes caught sight of one man clawing at a branch wrapped around his throat, his breath stolen.

The once-abandoned building was overrun with creeping plants and leaves, their presence suffocating the walls.

I didn’t stay to find out more. I ran. I ran even though I didn’t know where to go, surrounded by nothing but trees.

“How will I get home?” I whispered to no one, tears streaming down my face.

“The Destined One”

“The Chosen One.”

The voice, like a whisper carried by the wind, made my hands tremble. Covering my ears, I tried to block it out, but the words persisted. Desperate, I ran farther into the forest, the voice growing louder.

“Come,” a voice said gently.

“Don’t be afraid,” he added, his tone calm and reassuring. I hesitated but followed the sound, approaching a tree where his voice seemed to originate.

As I stepped closer, the tree’s shape began to shift. Startled, I stumbled backward, tripping over a large rock. But before I hit the ground, branches caught me, cradling me gently like arms. Exhausted, I let myself drift into sleep.

I woke up to the rustling of leaves, a cool breeze enveloping me like a blanket.

“She’s beautiful... Do you think she’ll agree to marry me?”

“In time, my son.”

I rubbed my eyes and stood, scanning the forest. The voices seemed so close, yet I saw no one.

“You’re awake! Let’s play!”

“Who... who are you? Where are you?” I asked, spinning around.

“Can’t you see me?” the boy replied, amused.

“No! How can I play with you if I can’t see you?”

“Open your eyes,” he said softly.

“They’re already open!”

“Open them further, and you won’t just see me—you’ll see the true beauty of the world around you.”

I took a deep breath, unsure of what he meant. Closing my eyes tightly, I focused on my surroundings.

The chirping of birds, the swaying of trees, the sprouting of grass, the cool breeze brushing against my skin—it all came alive. I could feel the blossoms blooming, hear the butterflies fluttering, and sense the forest’s heartbeat.

When I opened my eyes, the forest had transformed into a paradise. Its beauty took my breath away. Smiling widely, I stretched out my arms as if I could embrace the entire scene.

Then I saw him—a boy standing before me. He was slightly taller than me, dressed in clothes woven from leaves. His skin was smooth and fair, his green eyes shining like emeralds.

My hair, blown by the wind, obscured my face. As I pushed it aside, our eyes met, and we both smiled.

He extended his hand, and I hesitated before taking it. Gripping my hand firmly, he pulled me forward, and together we ran through the forest.

We spent the day playing—chasing butterflies, climbing trees, and leaping over rocks.

“Where are your parents?” I asked curiously.

“My mother is always here,” he said.

I glanced around, confused. “I don’t see her.”

He laughed.

“Ara! One day, we’ll get married. I promise!”

“My mom says promises and marriage are sacred. You shouldn’t say that unless you’re sure,” I said, frowning.

“But my mother has already chosen you for me,” he replied with certainty.

When night fell, he guided me home with the help of glowing fireflies. Before parting, he said, “I’ll always watch over you, Ara. I promise.”

After that, he disappeared.

I turned back several times, but he was gone.

I returned to my family. I never found out if Dad pursued those who had taken me. I tried to recount every detail of what happened in the forest, but no one believed me. My family was just relieved but worried, thinking I had been traumatized and my mind was playing tricks on me. No! I knew all of it was real. How I was saved from the hands of those evil men. The forest felt like a paradise. The boy who had been with me. But no one believed me.

We left the province to start a new life. I had no say in the matter. They even consulted a doctor, thinking I had lost my sanity.

End of Flashback

Throughout my life, only one person ever believed my story. He was a former classmate who approached me first to be friends. I found him weird, but when I started sharing with him the things I believed in, he listened and never judged me. He just kept hearing my stories.

That person is Aris—my boyfriend.

Now, he’s fulfilled his promise to bring me back to the place I always told him about. We returned to my province.

“I know he’ll be happy to see us again, and I’ll introduce you to him,” I said.

He looked at me and smiled.

“We’re here,” Aris said.

As we arrived, my heart sank. The once lush paradise was gone. Trees were felled, the air reeked of factory smoke, and the forest was lifeless.

I fell to my knees, tears streaming down my face.

“I failed him,” I whispered.

Aris knelt beside me. “Nature grieves too, Ara,” he said.

Then, to my amazement, the dead tree before me began to regrow. Leaves sprouted, branches stretched skyward. It was as if life itself had returned.

“Did you see that?” I asked Aris, but he only smiled.

“Open your eyes, Ara,” he said, his black eyes turning green.