Walking along the winding trail through the towering trees of Cedar Hollow, Elena paused to rest on a fallen log. She listened to the gentle hush of the forest and watched a trio of birds gliding in the distance. She wasn’t alone—two curious raccoons peered from the path, their masked faces studying her with the same wonder she felt for them. For a moment, they simply regarded one another, sharing the quiet peace of the woods before each continued on their way.
