(Author’s note: It’s a little late, but better than none at all.)

Butterfly In The Well
by Miles H. Rost
The first whiff of fresh air for Fred after being let free from the ghosts of 2020 was in the woods near his home.
For a year, the teenager was trapped, forced to stay inside because of his mother’s fears, her paranoia. She finally relented, as she left to visit her sister in the hospital.
Fred sat in the woods, his bare feet connecting to the ground. The small lean-to above him housed a great number of butterflies.
He put out his arm, and one landed on his finger.
“I’m glad to be home.”
The butterfly just flapped peacefully.

I can relate I spent the year in the trees when not writing and enjoyed it really. Good story.
I have a lot of good friends who ended up the same way, due to all that happened. Once they got out again, they were gone until dark. Thanks for dropping in!
The best time to be in the woods is after dark. its then it comes alive.
Nothing like Nature for returning balance and clarity to life. Nice!
People need more of it. It’s very important for a person’s mental and physical health.
I agree!
Nice way to end a lockdown.
Especially if it was an imposed one by a family member. Those were the pits up here.
That was lovely, Miles. I can just feel the release at being allowed back in nature.
It’s always good to get grounded again.