Nick wandered aimlessly through the forest, the path he had been following long vanished beneath the tangle of roots and fallen leaves. The air was cool and damp, carrying the earthy scent of moss and decay. Anxiety gnawed at him as he realized how lost he truly was.
Nick stumbled into the clearing, relieved to find a sign of civilization. His eyes were drawn to the inviting glow of the cottage, a beacon of warmth against the encroaching darkness. As he approached, the door creaked open, revealing a figure within.
Madame Blanche, a robust woman with a kind smile and eyes that seemed to hold centuries of wisdom, gestured Nick inside. "Come in, dear. You look like you could use some rest." Her voice was soothing, wrapping around him like a comforting blanket.
Madame Blanche guided Nick to a chair, her hands gentle as she tended to him. "You are safe here. Rest, and let the forest's magic renew you." As he drifted into sleep, he felt a strange tingling sensation enveloping him.
Nick awoke, feeling different yet unable to pinpoint why. He glanced at his hands, startled to find them smaller, more delicate. The room seemed larger, the world suddenly more vibrant and new. Madame Blanche appeared, cradling him gently. "You are reborn, my child," she whispered, her eyes twinkling with mysterious knowledge.
Nick accepted his transformation, embracing the wonder and innocence of his renewed existence. In Madame Blanche's care, he found solace and joy, ready to explore the world anew. The forest, once daunting, now felt like a magical playground, filled with endless possibilities.
