It was July and the monsoon season had started, leading to strong winds and breeze throughout the day. It was such fine weather that my father had decided for us to go camping in the Bremen Forest, which was a few miles from our house.

We set out in the late evening, so by the time we arrived, night had fallen. After finding a clearing and setting up our tent, we ate a quick meal and were soon fast asleep in our sleeping bags.

The next morning, the chirping of crickets and birds woke me up to a blue and cloudy sky. Everyone was dead to the world, so I decided to explore the forest a bit and look for a source of water. Even at the edge of the woods, I could hear the rushing water. Going a few steps forward, I beheld a magnificent waterfall, behind which was a cave. Grabbing some berries from a shrub growing nearby, I went inside through the sheet of roaring water. I got a little damp, but it was fun because the spray also cooled my face. Then I checked my watch and saw that it was eight. I had to return to the campsite.

Suddenly, as I stepped outside, I heard the chattering of monkeys. I began to tremble from head to toe, because I was completely alone and making eye contact with those creatures was taken as offensive and a sign to attack. Then, keeping my eyes trained on the ground, I carefully stepped away from herd of monkeys and began to run. A couple of trees away, I stopped to catch my breath. It was then I realised that in my panic, I had completely forgotten to mark my trail in the forest. I groaned for I was lost.

Trying to keep calm, I reasoned that it was necessary to find some shelter, food and water so as not to dehydrate too soon. I was wandering here and there when my gaze fell upon a large hollow in a tree. Marking the spot with some lime on the forest floor, I proceeded to find some berries or grapes, and some water. Then I saw a squirrel and upon following it, I was led to a small pond with clear water. Beside it was a tree with red grapes from which I grabbed a few, and replenished myself with water.

Going back to my spot, I spread my windcheater inside the hollow and sat down to think of a way back to the tent. The trees grew closely so from wherever the most light would be coming, that would be the edge of the forest and my campsite. So giving that idea my best shot, I followed the dappled, green light through winding paths.

Unexpectedly, I stepped out of the forest and a haze of light blinded me and then I was being hugged by three pairs of arms simultaneously. I was overjoyed at being successful at finding my family and afterwards, I narrated my adventure to everyone who had been frightened by my disappearance.

In a nutshell, my younger brother was envious of me for having a little adventure all on my own, but I learnt the lesson never to wander anywhere alone, for hundreds of dangers lurk at every corner in a forest.

Published in Dawn, Young World, October 17th, 2020