The Forest Of Maples

Grace awoke to the first notes of robins echoing in the air. Her emotions swirled—whether nerves or excitement, she couldn't quite tell. The night had unfolded in one of the most beautiful places she'd ever encountered, and the surrounding beauty left her in a state of pure awe.

The sun had returned to greet her as she quietly got out of bed, leaving Jeremy to sleep soundly. She had always been an early riser, and today was no exception. A set of plush bath robes were set on the armchair which Grace happily slipped into and stepped into the adjoining kitchenette. The staff here thinks of everything, she thought as she poured a cup of coffee.

The kitchenette stood between the bedroom and a small balcony that overlooked a pond, roughly 2 acres across. The guest suite was entirely secluded. It jutted out from the rest of the home like a peninsula, hidden by a wall of enormous maple trees that towered high above the gable roof. She nestled down in the oversized daybed that filled most of the balcony, breathing the crisp October air.

Oregon was experiencing a mild fall. Normally the estate would be covered in snow, being this far north.

“Global warming sucks,” Grace mumbled to herself. But she was willing to set that aside for the moment, as it was very much allowing her to sit comfortably in nature, mostly uncovered. She adored being outside. Given her way, she would retire at the old age of 27, sell her worldly possessions, and take residence amongst the trees.

There was no question she’d experienced a successful year thus far, but she was the hands and brains of her small operation, which demanded a high amount of her energy.

“Whispering Willows: Where Nature Inspires Artistry”

Her company mantra echoed in her mind and it was not something she took lightly. She loved what she did, but it wasn’t until they’d left the city that she realized how tired she truly was. The anticipation of this new client and a weekend away with Jeremy had taken over most of her thoughts these last few weeks. She was only just realizing how busy the two of them had been, hardly able to spare a moment for one another.

And now, she was embarking on one of the biggest milestones of her career. This could bring unprecedented growth to her company, propelling her years ahead. The familiar doubt soon crept into the back of her mind…

Why choose me? Why pit me against these gargantuan companies? I barely stand a chance.

Stop. She said to herself.

Just enjoy it.

She returned to their room an hour later to find Jeremy getting dressed. She followed suit, and the pair headed toward the kitchen. The dining room was empty, save for a piece of paper on each of the pre-laid plates set out for them. The note read:

Please meet Madam Hedera in the courtyard at 10 am sharp for your private tour.

“Looks like it’s just us,” said Jeremy.

Breakfast was extravagant. There were golden, flakey croissants, glistening icing-covered rolls, soft and crispy bacon, and a large assortment of fruits – including a particularly delicious bowl of blueberries that Grace piled onto her plate. Jeremy helped himself to a plateful of warm bronze sausages and a steaming pile of cheese-covered grits.

“I feel like I’m eating at Hogwarts,” he said between mouthfuls of scrambled eggs. Grace giggled.

“Well, you sound just like Ron,” Grace shot back.

“Are you excited?” He asked.

She blushed, making that adorable face she only made when it was just the two of them.

“Mmhmm,” she said softly, barely able to hold back the excitement. “There were a bunch of roses near the pond that were just… ugh… absolutely stunning. And this morning I saw a bald eagle! Here I took a photo…”

That was one of the things he loved about Grace. Her fierce love for nature and her relentless campaign to protect her planet was admirable; something many took for granted or simply avoided. It was difficult not to be swept into her current when she talked so passionately.

Earth was still second to her love for him, he knew that. But it was close…

“… I tried to take a slo-mo video, but it was too far away.”

“Maybe we’ll see another one today,” he responded exuberantly.

“Yeah, we better head out. Almost 10.”

They walked hand in hand toward the large doors, back into the courtyard in which they’d stood speechless the night before. And yet, they were completely caught off guard again. In the light of day, it seemed the courtyard had morphed into an entirely different scene.

Rays of light pierced through the spaces between the lofty boughs of the many trees surrounding them, illuminating every inch of the courtyard. It seemed even larger than they first thought. A Douglas Fir bonsai stood proudly in one corner, encircled by a group of what Grace believed were shallons. Each bush was trimmed to form an arrow shape; the pruning more pronounced the higher it went as if each one was reaching for its towering cousins nearby.

The air had warmed since the early morning. It now bore a thicker, sweet scent – which could no doubt be attributed to the many variety of lifeforms around. Nothing came close in Portland, or any city for that matter. It was intoxicating; a freshness that seemed infinite.

“Ah! Welcome.” Madam Hedera said, stirring Grace from her daze. “I trust you have arrived with full bellies?”

“Definitely!” Jeremy said, enthusiastically.

“Good!” Her tone quickly turned important as she turned to the rest of the group. “The tour will take about 2 hours. I will leave you once we reach the pond, where you will have lunch. Are we ready?”

“Let’s do it!” Grace cheered.

The couple fell in step with the crowd. There were 14 of them, not including Madam Hedera, and Grace was surprised to see more than a few candidates her age. One girl with bright blonde hair and large glasses caught her eye. She did not seem to be paying much attention as she tapped her phone furiously.

Definitely not taking notes, Grace thought.

They continued their journey at a steady pace. Too rushed for Grace’s taste, though they would likely have to become permanent guests for her to truly feel like she had seen it all.

To their surprise, Madam Hedera knew a great deal not just about the various plant species, but the animal and insect inhabitants as well.

“This is the Papilio rutulus or Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly. It is a common butterfly species in the Pacific Northwest. Its striking black and yellow markings make it easily recognizable. These butterflies are often found in forested areas, as they prefer moist habitats near water sources.

In fact, the pond below is one of the primary reasons Dr. Allin Bookman chose to establish residency here. At just 2.1 acres, it is a perfect match for the species we maintain. For example, it attracts a dense population of Hoverflies which, in turn, help to lower the number of aphids and other harmful insects.”

“Does the estate use the water source for anything else?” One of the other candidates inquired.

“Certainly. 100% of the water supply to the home is provided by this fresh water source. Depending on the amount of rainfall we receive, we have a nearby municipal water supply to replenish the pond safely and efficiently. I will explain more once we get there. Now, here you will notice a vibrant collection of Vine Maples. These understories thrive this time of year…”

And so the tour went on. The group asked questions sparingly so as not to interrupt the elaborate and detailed presentation Madam Hedera had no doubt given countless times. It was midday by the time Grace saw the glistening still water at the bottom of the hill. Lining the gravel pathway was a line of short bamboo rods.

“These were a gift from one of Dr. Bookman’s apprentices,” Madam Hedera described, noticing Grace’s pause. “Each one was handcrafted to be a unique height. At night, they are made to glow like a type of bioluminescent fungi. It is the one element of artificial light that Allin has allowed outside.”

Every piece of the estate seemed to blend in with nature, Grace thought, amazed. Her wonder was cut short when she saw the girl with the glasses rolling her eyes, giving the strong impression she had zero interest in anything beyond making a profit.

They stepped into a small clearing that sloped gradually into the water. A stone bench stood on either side, facing each other. A large maple loomed above, casting a cool shadow over the location. Though the rest of the group looked quite fatigued after all the walking they had done, Grace was full of energy. Like the more she walked, the more hydrated she felt.

They listened, fascinated, as the caretaker continued to describe the types of wildlife they typically encounter, how they cultivate a safe habitat, and maintain the quality and levels of water.

“I hope you enjoyed your tour.” Madam Hedera concluded. Thank-yous and praises murmured from the group. “You are most welcome. I will have lunch sent down shortly. Dr. Bookman is eager to meet you all and discuss our engagement this evening.” She turned to leave.

Before she could stop herself, Grace sped after her.

“Madam Hedera?” She said, pulling the caretaker aside. A few others looked up, eying her movements distrustfully.

“Yes, my dear?”

“I–I was wondering if you could tell us why Dr. Bookman chose us? I mean, don’t get me wrong, we’re incredibly grateful for the hospitality you have shown, but–” she looked back at her husband for virtual support. “But why us?”

Madam Hedera grew quiet. Perhaps not uncomfortably so, but it was an awkward change after hearing her voice reverberate throughout the forest all morning.

Grace worried she had offended her.

“Mrs. Harper,” the caretaker said slowly. “Do not sell yourselves short. You have amassed a substantial following in the horticultural community and raised significant awareness of the very real issues threatening our world. You have as much right as anyone here to present your ideas to the world.”

Grace looked down, embarrassed.

“That’s very kind of you. We are looking forward to tonight.” Madam Hedera smiled and walked away.

“What was that about?” Jeremy asked as Grace sat down on one the benches next to him.

“It was nothing.”

“Well, I’m excited to go exploring with you.” He beamed.

“Hey!” A voice suddenly sounded. Grace turned.

The girl with the glasses peeled away from the crowd and walked toward Grace. She bore a bright green EnviroZen badge and was dressed in corporate attire. As she drew closer, Grace was able to read her name badge: Ronny.

“Don’t think you can get ahead of the rest of us by sucking up,” Ronny said.

“Nice to meet you too,” Jeremy mumbled.

“At least I’m not taking every opportunity to be rude to our hosts.” Grace shot back, a little harsher than she’d intended. “Do you even want to be here?”

“I think I speak for everyone in the group–”

Highly doubt it.

“–When I say we want to be amongst our peers. Professionals. Not stuck with some influencer who had a few seconds of fame and thinks they can compete.”

“Hey!” Jeremy said protectively, standing up. “She got an invitation just like everyone else. If you have a problem with that, take it up with Dr. Bookman.”

“You know,” Ronny said, smirking. “I’ve seen your work and I don’t think I have that much to worry about.”

Grace felt a pang in her chest.

“Look. I don’t care what you think of my company. At least I can go on knowing I helped people and protected this planet. Not shoving a bunch of greenwashing bull down people’s throats.”

Jeremy spun around. This was a rare side of his wife.

“You should write fortune cookies.” Ronny shot back. She sauntered off.

Faint chirping sounded in the distance as the water gently brushed against the pond shore. The young couple sat under a tree, finishing their lunch. Ordinarily, this would have been enough to lull Grace to sleep. But her mind was still racing from the exchange with Ronny.

“So,” Jeremy said, after a long stretch. “What was that back there? That’s not normally you.”

“I’m sorry,” Grace said. “I don’t know. That just felt… it felt personal.”

“You’ve dealt with haters before.”

“Yeah, but this just felt so real, you know? A comment online is one thing. Easy to write it off as cowardly. This was up close and intense.”

“Frankly, she was being an asshole. But don’t let her get in your head.”

Grace nodded.

“We’ve got the place to ourselves!” Her husband grabbed her hand, pulling her up. “You can tell me all your ideas so far.”

“I told you,” Grace said exasperated. “I don’t have anything!”

“Then let’s go find you some inspiration.”

And the pair set out to explore the forest of maples.