Gifts Journal for Class

Stepping out of the house, I held in my hand an umbrella. It's always so rainy in April. Yet the flowers and trees are so full of life and colour. I wonder how they always stayed so happy and optimistic. I walked through the misty air, a bit at peace as I listened to soft rain hitting the top of my only shelter. I loved it like this.
I needed to get out of the house. The outside is much more enjoyable than the hullaballoo of work and responsibilities. So I picked up speed into the forest, a red pair of rainboots sloshing mud and water around the forest floor. A pair of birds flew overhead, teasing each other playfully and swooping back into the high air again. I breathed in heavily, my lungs filling with fresh dew smell and clean air. I could have been walking for hours when I realized I had reached a tiny stream, water bubbling and swirling around my feet. I looked down to catch a glimpse of a few puny tadpoles pecking themselves against my boots before they quickly swished away with the soft current.
I serveyed the perimeter to find nothing but trees and moist moss around. Closing my umbrella, I dropped it to the ground and fell back barely, leaning against the large oak behind me. I slid down and made myself comfortable at its base. I laid my head back, the calming sounds of the forest and stream engulfing me with tranquility. I could do nothing except to close my eyes and breath out serenely. Not too long after, I began to feel myself drifting, my breathing being the only thing I could hear.
And suddenly I heard a voice. Nothing cliche, like a booming loud voice, or a voice that woke me up violently, not one I was afraid of. It was a voice that I felt obligated to speak with.
"Aria," the voice whispered. I groggily pushed myself up to sit properly.
I asked with whom I had the pleasure of speaking with.
"Why, the forest of course. We've spoken before."
I curled up my face in befuddlement. "I've never heard your voice before. I'd like to know where you're coming from."
It seemed the voice had dodged my response, but with wisdom and respect; I was not offended.
"Aria," it began, "I would like to bestow upon you a gift."
I wiped the running rain from my brow and reached for my umbrella again to shield me from wetness. "I must ask, what kind of gift could a deity-like being give to me?"
"I sense a facetious tone. Aria, I wish to give you the forest."
I heaved a slight chuckle as I finished fingering the buttons on my jacket while listening to the voice. "You cannot give me the forest. I do not believe I could carry its weight."
The voice seemed still jovial as it grew serious. "Aria, I must explain to you. The spirit of the forest is wearing thin. If I vanish without finding another to take my place, the forest will pass into oblivian, with all other forests following. I'm choosing you, Aria, because I see the fondness you have for this forest, how much tenderness you take in exploring it. I'm asking you, Aria: would you please take on the responsibility of nature and all it brings?"
I fumbled my words, searching my mind-rolodex for something to say. "The entire forest, and all existing and to come?" A great gift indeed. However, when gifts are given, it is often expected to recieve one in return.
But it was like the voice had read my mind. "I only ask for one gift from you." Before I could ask what it may be, the voice answered, "I would only like for you to protect this element: the forest."
My mind was racing with questions but I asked none. I adored the forest, every last bit of it. I would stay long hours, days, in this personal wonderland of mine. Spending eternity protecting this lovely land of mine would be an honor. I could escape from the stressful life I would lead myself into. I couldn't think of any reason to object.
And with my thoughts, a powerful wind began to blow, and I held tight to my umbrella. I shut my eyes tight and stood up, a bit wobbly on my feet.
"Spirit of nature, of forest and life, I will become what you ask of me. I accept your offer whole-heartedly."
As I finished, the voice said not a word more before I was swept off my feet, air swirling viciously around me. Flowers and ferns, a few weeds, were yanked from the ground and tossed around in the wind. I felt weightless just floating there. My hands and feet fell effortlessly. I closed my eyes, and I felt as if a thousand pounds had been lifted from my shoulders. It felt as though I had fallen asleep, yet I was wide awake. Everything was peaceful; I had not a worry in the world anymore.
When I opened my eyes again, I had a full, perfect view of my forest. However I was not there any longer; I had dissipated, I suppose. Then was when I remembered my promise. A gift that I had all the time in the world to perfect. I was at peace, and I knew what I had to do.
But I heard the voice again. It was slow and soft, and trailed off too soon.
"Thank you, Aria."