Twilight fell around Paprika as nearby herbs began to glow softly. Each stem bent slightly, as if acknowledging her presence as she approached them. The vibrant blue-green light shimmered against her blanket-like weathered gray hooded cloak. She remembered her foraging lessons—the wisdom of knowing when nature welcomed or warned.
She traced a glowing petal & thought, What are you trying to tell me?
The nighttime sounds of the valley grew, the fireflies emerged in dance. Paprika felt as though the valley itself was drawing her toward something.