I’m moving through the woods, brushing leaves and dirt from my cloak. Then I hear it… a flute. Soft. Hypnotic. Too clean to be random, too wild to be planned. I follow the sound, slipping past branches and brush until I spot clothes scattered on the ground, leading toward the river.

There you are.

In the middle of the water, just… playing. Bare as the breeze, like the forest itself called you to do it. I narrow my eyes, stepping into the cold river like it doesn’t even touch me. I wade beside you, quiet for a beat, then speak...

"How are you playing like that?"

I reach out, gently taking your wrist that holds the flute, just curious.