5. NATURE'S CALLING

It was a beautiful day in Windenburg. Perfect for a little trip to the Bramblewood forest.

That’s exactly what Filip thought as he stepped outside and felt the crisp morning air on his face. The weather promised to be sunny and beautiful.

Anna: What did you come up with this time? I’m hungry.

Filip: Don’t worry, I’m fully prepared for this entire event.

Anna: A picnic? How romantic.

Filip: Surprised? I thought I proved to you long ago that outdoor activities can be very sensual.

Anna: Coming here really was a good idea. Remember how we used to spend time here as kids?

Filip: How could I forget? You were grossed out when I caught frogs.

Anna: But I was also kind of impressed!

Anna: This reminds me of something, too.

Filip: Oh right, you were mad at me back then for dragging you on that silly fishing event!

Anna: It was the last thing I wanted to do! But look, I’m much better at it now! I even caught us dinner!

Filip: Well look at that — and I just caught some trash this time.

Filip: That one looks like a cat.

Anna: And that one looks like a ship.

Filip: You’re right!

Anna: Do you hear how the wind rustles through the trees? I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that.

Filip: What? The wind?

Anna: No, watching the sky with you.

Romance is one thing, events are another — but nature calls in many ways. Good thing the Watcher made sure there were bushes nearby.

Anna: The sky in Henford looks just like it did when we were kids. I suddenly feel like that little girl again, the one you used to show the stars to.

Filip: I don’t think I’ve ever been here before. It’s so beautiful!

Anna: We should probably head back.

Filip: Let’s stay just a little longer. Look, I’ll give you a back massage.

After returning, Filip went for his usual evening jog. Even after all these years, he didn't give it up. Though, he had to shorten his routes noticeably.

Anna: Just don’t overdo it. And come back soon.

The next day, Filip still felt nostalgic. When he stepped into Akito’s old workshop, he once again felt like a little boy watching his dad at work. He decided to honor those memories.

Filip: Dad, I was never as good at this as you, but you did teach me something.

Collecting was still Filip’s passion. It just wasn’t as easy getting up from his knees these days...

As he wandered through the forest and the ruins, Filip suddenly realized he might got a little lost. Then he spotted a tree. Exactly like the one from his childhood dream!

And he found it! He really found the place from his dream! It looked like a fairy realm. It was amazing.

So the dreamland was real after all — and he finally found it.

When he returned from the mysterious glade, it was already dark. He took the opportunity to stargaze. Good thing he always carried a telescope in his pocket.

Anna: Look what we got as a gift!

Filip: A hot tub?! Wow! Just like for the 20th anniversary.

Anna: No, the swimsuits! I bought the hot tub so we could jump right in.

Filip: Honestly, we don’t even need the swimsuits.

Anna: You’re absolutely right!

Anna: So, turns out we did have to wear swimsuits to unlock more gifts!

Filip: I still preferred it without them.

Filip took following in his father’s footsteps to heart and decided to build some furniture. WOODBRARY store was still theirs, maybe this Drozd should add something new to the collection.

Filip: Look what I made!

Anna: Nice… but we’re not replacing our patio furniture, right? Right?

Filip added a matching table. The memories of his father and the family store flooded back. He felt proud to contribute something of his own.

The next day brought another small trip. Catching frogs, drawing in the sand. After all, what else do you do when you’re retired and love nature?

Filip discovered another secret passage, this time, to an incredible cave. He had to show Anna. And that magical glade too. Those places were amazing, you could almost feel the magic in the air.

Filip: You have to see them.

Anna: How about tomorrow?

Filip: And you know what? We have to go on one more trip.

Anna: What??

Filip: One last adventure. We don’t have much time left.

Anna: Alright. But let’s talk about it later. For now, let’s sleep.

Filip: Promise?

Anna: I promise.

Filip: One countryside breakfast scramble, coming right up! Ready to uncover mysterious mysteries? Magical glades and hidden caves?

Anna: So where’s this glade?

Filip: First, we need to find the tree. Strange… it should be here somewhere.

Anna: And?

Filip: I don’t know! I swear it was here before!

Anna: Maybe the tree is gone, but did you see that sea monster?!

Filip built one more piece of furniture.

Filip: It’s pretty spacious, don’t you think? Are you thinking what I’m thinking?

Anna: Oh no! Forget it. Filip Drozd, if you think I’m going to woohoo with you in that outhouse, you’ve lost your mind.

Anna: What’s this? Wait, are those magic beans? I thought you planted all of them on the Twikkii Islands during our ocean adventure!

Filip: That’s what I thought, too. But I just found some new ones in my pocket. Someone must’ve slipped them in.

...

Filip: Well, would you look at that, we’ve got our own magic tree in the backyard!

Filip: I’m going in. You coming?

Anna: No, I’ll stay out here.

Filip: Anna, don’t be mad, but… I ate the Forbidden Fruit. And I feel amazing! You have to try it too!

Anna: You want me to eat that? Ugh, fine. You only live once.

Filip: Okay. So… what now?

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