The forest remembers me — and I'm not sure I'm ready for that

Lately when I stop on the trail, it's not just quiet. It's like the silence is holding its breath, waiting for me to notice that it's been paying attention all along. The real work now isn't clearing fallen branches — it's learning how to be still in a place that feels like it's witnessing me back. I don't know what to do with that, but I'm not leaving.