Nature High

William had never been a man who enjoyed nature. Endured, yes, but enjoyed? No. His wife frequently dragged him along with her on her outings, walks in the countryside, hikes in the foothills. Her company he enjoyed, but the word around him he could care less.

It was in books, in study that William found his centre. The lab was what he was created for, and so he leaned into his calling. When Bernice would relent and return him home, William would immediately return to his latest endeavour in order to rid himself of the stench of the outdoors.

But this felt different.

With every breath William felt more alive. How could be not? The air was so invigorating! Deeper and deeper into the forest did he wander, no regard for returning to the hatch. How could he think of returning? This world had hardly been explored, and if it was as wonderful as this, he never wanted to stop.

Trees. All around him glorious, majestic trees stood sentinel over his journey. Had the trees in his world been and beautiful? Certainly not. And the sky, peaking through the leaves. Had William ever seen a shade of blue as pleasing to the eye? Never!

All he wanted to do was lay back in the grass and take it all in. Could he survive if he decided to stay there forever? Something told him he could, that the forest itself would care for him, like a mother with her arms wrapped around a child. He closed his eyes and breathed in the sense of peace.

“What the hell?” A muffled voice shouted from behind William, “How the hell did you get out here?”

William turned around slowly, as if moving in molasses, and saw a figure in a yellow hazmat suit walking toward him. The figure was carrying a large bucket in one hand, and some sort of electronic device in the other.

“I don’t…”

“Base,” the figure said, “I’ve found someone outside. No containment suit. Better prep decon.”

“Decon?” William said, his mind foggy, “decon from what?”

“Sir, you’d better follow me,” the figure said, turning and walking away, “and pray that we’re not too late.”

William couldn’t muster a response. He was sure that the figure must be confused. This forest was perfect. Everything in it was perfect. There was no way he could be too late for anything. Not here.