By the end she was smiling

Sorry … it was getting too long to wrap up, and too easy for our adventurers, so I’ve thrown them another challenge.

Last time Janet was here, it had been snowy, and gloomy under the trees. Today, the gloom prevailed again, despite it being summer. She gazed at the trees, frowning. The leaves which should have been a rich green were pale, translucent. The whispers which had followed them last time, were silent.

‘The trees.’ Sophie, walking behind, nudged Janet’s shoulder. ‘They’re fading, like...