One of my favorite forest activities is simply running across the forest floor with other deer. There's something so majestic about the unified movement as we all leap over obstacles together. Running alone is never as satisfying. Seeing things with no one to share them with is almost pointless. Symphony often runs alone. It's usually quiet when I'm awake. The other deer are all lying down or sleeping. Motionless. I pass by the occasional fellow insomniac and we might exchange greetings, but it's a strange feeling being one of the only ones awake. Or perhaps we're both too shy to play together, so instead we part ways and continue running alone in the quiet.

It can be lonely, but every now and then we do enjoy the silence. Being alone under the roof of trees as the light filters down, making the dust look like pixie dust in the sun rays. Although I usually don't stay still for long. I like to practice casting spells on unsuspecting sleepers and leaping from rock to rock at the playground. Sometimes Symphony practices sparring techniques whilst the others rest.

There's always something to do in the forest, quiet or lively. Although when the friendly and playful deer are all awake, even the shyest deer feel like they can be a part of things, meet new friends and remember their names to play in the future.

Something I've noticed is that I very rarely see deer sleeping alone. It's almost comforting in a way, although Symphony hardly ever lies down next to another deer, unless it's only for a moment to cast spells, being far too shy. When deer lie down to rest, they pair up, although the deer don't necessarily know one another. It makes sense; it's warmer, it feels safer, and of course, it's very nice to keep another deer company. It can certainly get lonely in the quiet. After learning a valuable lesson about forest cliques, Symphony is determined to be less of a loner, and to try and run with the herds more often.

It would be nice not to sleep alone.