"The Call of the Woods"

The sun was setting over the small town of Millfield, casting a warm glow over the houses and streets. Mary watched from her bedroom window as the sky turned a deep shade of orange and red. She had always loved this time of day, when the world seemed to slow down and the worries of the day melted away.

As she watched the sunset, Mary's mind wandered to the events of the past few weeks. She had just graduated from college and was preparing to start her first job as a teacher at the local elementary school. It was a dream come true, and Mary couldn't wait to get started.

But as she stood at her window, Mary couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. She had always imagined that after college, she would find her soulmate and settle down. But as the years passed, she found herself still single and wondering if she would ever find true love.

As the last rays of sunlight disappeared behind the horizon, Mary sighed and turned away from the window. It was time to get ready for bed and try to put these thoughts out of her head. She changed into her pajamas and climbed into bed, hoping for a good night's sleep.

But as she drifted off, Mary was awoken by a strange noise coming from outside her window. She sat up and listened, trying to make sense of the sound. It was a soft, rhythmic noise, like the beating of a drum.

Mary got out of bed and made her way to the window, peering out into the darkness. At first, she saw nothing, but as she looked closer, she noticed a faint glow coming from the woods just beyond her house.

Without a second thought, Mary grabbed her coat and headed outside to investigate. As she made her way through the woods, the glow grew brighter and the drumming became louder. She followed the sound until she came upon a clearing, where she saw a group of people gathered around a campfire.

They were all dressed in traditional Native American clothing, and Mary could see that they were performing some kind of ritual. She watched in fascination as they danced and sang, their bodies moving in time to the drumbeat.

As she watched, Mary felt a strange pull towards the group, as if they were calling out to her. She hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should approach them. But before she could make a decision, one of the dancers noticed her and beckoned her forward.

Mary walked towards the group, her heart pounding in her chest. She wasn't sure what she was doing, but she knew that she had to follow this strange call. As she reached the circle, the dancer who had called out to her took her by the hand and led her into the circle.

Mary felt a rush of energy flow through her as she joined in the dance. She had never felt so alive, and she knew that she was meant to be here, with these people. As the night wore on, Mary lost herself in the music and the dance, feeling a sense of belonging that she had never felt before.

When the sun began to rise, the group disbanded, each person disappearing back into the woods. Mary was left standing alone in the clearing, feeling a sense of loss and longing. She knew that she had to return to her life in the outside world, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed within her.

As she walked back to her house, Mary knew that she had found her true calling. She would return to the woods and join the group, living a life of magic and mystery. And as she stood in the warm glow of the morning sun, Mary knew that she had finally found her place in the world.

Over the next few weeks, Mary returned to the woods every night, joining in the rituals and dances with the Native American group. She learned about their traditions and beliefs, and found herself becoming more and more immersed in their way of life.

But as much as Mary loved her new life in the woods, she knew that she couldn't stay there forever. She had a job to start and a life to lead in the outside world. So, with a heavy heart, she made the decision to return to Millfield and begin her new career as a teacher.

As she settled back into her old routine, Mary couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness and longing. She missed the freedom and magic of the woods, and the sense of belonging she had found with the Native American group.

But despite this, Mary was determined to make the most of her new life. She threw herself into her work, and soon became a beloved teacher at the elementary school. The children loved her, and Mary found great joy in helping them learn and grow.

As the years passed, Mary never forgot about her time in the woods, and the powerful connection she had felt with the Native American group. She often wondered what had happened to them, and if they were still out there, dancing and singing under the moonlight.

But as much as Mary longed to return to that magical world, she knew that it was not meant to be. She had a new life and a new purpose, and she was content to live it to the fullest.

And so, Mary lived out her days in Millfield, teaching and loving, always remembering the magic and mystery of the woods that had touched her heart.