| "We can't stay. We have to get back and help our master." |

The Giant Forest at Sequoia National Park, 6pm.

“Great, now I’m lost.”

Another dead-end. You couldn’t help but sigh as you turned around and tried to find the path back to the trails.

To think, this all started because you wanted a better view of the forest.

You were someone who admired the environment. From watching the forests that ran along the edges of the roads while in your family car during a road trip, to snorkeling for the first time and admiring the pristine waters and the colorful array of corals that dotted the seafloor, the beautiful sights and sounds of nature were your retreat in all seasons; happiness or sadness, disgust or satisfaction, these were your happy place.

You had decided to go hiking along your favorite spot in California; the Sequoia National Park’s Grand Forest. Armed with a map, a compass, a watch, and a phone (and some jerky and water), you sought out for a picturesque and relaxing journey ahead.

Unfortunately, everything that could go wrong…did go wrong. Phone battery died, the watch was several minutes late, and the map - as it turns out - did not include the fork in the path that took you here.

As you ate yet another slice of jerky and drank some more water, you noticed that the sun was setting.

Nice view, terrible timing.

Then, you saw someone else. She didn’t look lost.

She noticed you, and smiled.

“Hey there,” she said warmly. “You look like you’re lost. Do you want my help?”