It was all quiet down the long hall of the dormitory as a figure clad in black slowly, carefully eased the window screen away from the wall and climbed out the open window and dropped to the ground below. Reaching up, he made sure the screen was pushed back into place and crept away towards the fence overlooking the street a few yards away. Looking left and right, a quick hop was all that was needed to clear the fence and start down the steep embankment to the sidewalk below. A tall, skinny boy, his strides were full of length and purpose as he began his new night time adventure.

Earlier in the day while on his way home from school, he had passed a wood and curious, he diverted his steps to explore and enjoy going where he had not been before. There was no trail, but being an experienced hiker and not unaccustomed to seeing a path where none existed, he once again found the joy of being in the woods and walking among the trees. Spring had graced the area with fresh new leaves and blooming flowers scattered among the tall, uncut grasses and weeds. It smelled as fresh and wonderful as only an earlier brief shower could bring to the still slightly wet growth. Distance was measured by time and it wasn’t long before he was rewarded with a small stream, a creek curving through the lush green of the woods in a clearing. Here, beside the creek, he stopped and looked around. Above the clearing, overlooking the creek, a patch of blue sky seemed painted between the opening of the trees.

A small rock he found at waters edge made a good resting place. He wasn’t tired, but sitting on that rock next to the creek gave him a closer look at the creatures inhabiting the water. Tadpoles wiggled their way to and fro while a crayfish kept a wary eye on him from under another rock a few feet away. It was an oasis of peace in what was a hectic day at school and the undying noise of the children’s home he was enroute to before his impromptu detour. For this, he thought, it was worth missing the bus and having to walk the four miles or so home. Pausing only a few minutes, he wondered if he could find his way back here in the dark. There was an adventure if ever there was one. A break in the monotony of school, homework, sleep and the cycle repeated. Making his way back to the road he took note of the landmarks that would lead him here again as there was not path to follow.

Now, in the dark of night, he walked quickly lest he be seen. Trouble he didn’t need and being out after curfew was an open invitation to trouble if he was caught. There wasn’t much chance of getting caught, but it didn’t make sense not to be careful and watch for those cars carrying those who would stop and ask questions he didn’t want to answer. The distance of a mile or so was covered quickly and once again he entered the woods. He allowed a smile to broaden into a grin as an unbridled feeling of happiness once again gave his heart a sense of satisfaction. He was in his element now. Alone in the dark woods he recalled the trees he mentally had marked as landmarks and made his way to the clearing and the creek. Sitting once again on the cold rock where he had sat earlier in the day, he gazed skyward and found the moon justifying his night trek into the woods. Centered in the clearing above the trees, the moon was in full smile. A smile that gave the small clearing an eerie but beautiful light which danced on the small ripples of the water flowing through the miniature rapids in the creek at his feet. Except for the gurgling water, all was still in the cool night. A stillness only possible deep in a wood on a quiet dark night.

Reluctantly, he arose from his mental slumber and decided it was time to go back.  With as much care and caution as he had used in coming to his midnight tryst with the woods, he returned to the hill with the fence. Climbing the embankment to the top, he paused to look for lights and anyone who might see him. It was all clear as he once again hopped the fence and quickly made his way to the screened window which was home. Softly, he opened the screen and climbed into his room. Listening, he heard nothing but the sound of his clock ticking. Only a few hours remained before the day must start again. Time now to reflect on his journey into the darkness and appreciate again what he had felt sitting on that rock by the creek.  Peace.