As Sam looked up from his warm sleeping bag, he saw the light streaming through the trees above him. Content with the beauty of the pattern. Sam took a deep breath and released it slowly. He had found that the more he focused on simple things, like deliberately exhaling, the calmer he became. His constant anxiety not only diminished as he breathed, but his mind was clearer when it was time to make decisions. Colors accompaied the light. He loved to see the yellow, orange and red beams flow through the trees. The Crystalline Forest was the most awe inspiring place Sam had ever been. It reminded him of a rock concert with the banks of light randomly floating through the forest.
Hunger stirred in his belly as he heard Jaime up and cooking something beautiful on the stove. The steam rose as water boiled. Sam's senses blew him away. How did the world get to be this magical and beautiful? He reveled in his experience, not understanding what had changed. From what he was seeing, maybe he was inside Tahendra's mind. She was always going on about beauty and gratitude. Sam usually didn't get it. Today was different. He never wanted to go back.
He climbed out of his sleeping bag and strode over to Jaime. "Thank you, man. You do so much for all of us, and I want you to know I notice and really appreciate it." Surprised he had been so forward, Sam was glad he hadn't stopped himself. He was glad to have said his gratitude out loud. He felt warm and comfortable.
"Yeah, Of course. Thanks Sam," Jaime replied. The two met eyes. Sam looked deeply into Jaime's eyes, wondering what else he hadn't noticed about his quiet friend. Here was an entire human being to explore. He'd always assumed so much about people, what they thought or wanted. This was new. What was it that Jaime wanted most? What could Sam do to make his day better? He stood wondering to himself. Jaime caught the look in his eye and watched him back. "I wonder what it's like to be you," Sam said. Jaime broke into a broad smile."I don't know. What's it like to be you?" The two laughed......