Chapter 9
Malcolm indeed had places to go. But he didn’t get very far after. He had been running for less than five minutes when he suddenly stopped. The momentum he’d felt after making his choice to leave Evergale Falls and his new friends behind completely clouded over the fact that he didn’t know where exactly he was going.
Malcolm knew he’d made the right decision to leave because in that instant when he realized he would have to stop to figure out a few things first, he felt disappointed he would be delayed in getting wherever it was he had to go. But as Malcolm was quickly learning, some planning could be helpful on journeys to find wise, old owls and seeking unknown waterfalls and mountains.
Finding a nice tree to settle up against, Malcolm took stock of his situation. Okay, he thought to himself, here’s what I know. Nana has been known to live in an Elder tree on the western edge of the forest. But, Milo heard she moved on to Whimzafir Mountain at the northern edge of the forest.
As Malcolm stated the facts of his situation, he realized it wasn’t so bad at all. There were a hundred billion places Nana Owl could be, yet he knew for certain about two of them. Two out of a hundred billion seemed perfectly manageable…now which one should he choose?
Malcolm closed his eyes for a moment. He thought of the mountain and waterfall from his dream. Well, he already found a waterfall, so why not try for the mountain next? Even if it wasn’t exactly the mountain of his dreams, the awe and beauty of Evergale Falls would stay with him for the rest of his life. Maybe it would be even more beautiful?
With these thoughts, Malcolm hopped up and headed northward. Although Malcolm trotted on a straight path, his mind kept wandering off. He imagined meeting Nana Owl and what he’d say. He also thought of what Whimzafir Moutnain would look like. He pictured slate blue rocks jutting up from mossy green walkways. Bright purple and pink flowers peeking out from cracks and crevices. A brisk, cool wind snapping through the trees.
Malcolm inhaled as if he could smell the wonderful things he was imagining. But the scent he picked up was not one of a majestic mountain. No, it was one he was already familiar with. Malcolm had become so lost in thought that he didn’t even notice anyone following behind him. He turned around with wide eyes.
“Hello, there,” came the familiar voice. “Mind if I come with you?”
To be continued….