That night, Lukas replayed every moment in the forest—the barking dogs, their steady gaze at the tree. The mystery consumed him, sparking a fierce determination. He promised himself he would uncover the truth, no matter what obstacles lay ahead.
Lukas woke early, the weight of last night’s frustration still heavy on his chest. He found his mother in the kitchen and said plainly, “Mom, I’m feeling sick today. I won’t be going to school.” “Alright”, she said, “there’s some medicine in the cabinet”, She told Lukas and left for work.