Being realistic, I don't think I'll be here forever. I've already been here several years, but I don't see myself leaving the community any time soon. If I do leave, it will be because I am too busy to actively participate, but I'll always think fondly of The Endless Forest and those I've met here.

I used to think I'd be here and active forever, but I've noticed in the past two years that it definitely isn't going to be like that. About 90% of the people I knew have all stopped playing the game, and unfortunately I only know a handful of people really well that still play. That isn't to say I am not open to making new friends, but it is sad to think about all the ones that are gone now. It is inevitable that the people that play right now will eventually stop and they will be replaced by a new crowd of people.

Interesting thought, since I have recently returned after being away for months. I'll try to keep it short, but that's not a promise.

At first, in September 2009, I left my old account (Fenqua) because of something that was going on in the community at that time. I guess I was afraid of the change new players brought. Maybe the view of people younger than me (and I'm only 19, can you imagine?) disturbed me a little. Though I think it was mostly fear than anything else. There were also personal problems that made all of it heavier for me than it actually was.

A few months after (around November), I decided that I couldn't just leave. Even after dramatically deleting every character I had, I noticed I was killing my darlings. For what? So I decided to bring them back, even my first character who died storywise (which I regret, dead is dead).

Slowly but surely I was slipping away from TEF, even though I was convinced I made a 'brand new start'. Funny thing is, I never noticed myself 'fading' away. I was caught up in a new study, new job, a new boyfriend, future plans etc. Life outside the internet, outside TEF, made me forget why I stayed. Because somehow I don't even remember when I decided to stop playing. In my head I still thought I left for good in September, but when I came back recently I saw blog entries from November 22th and no 'goodbye' entries following it.

I still wonder what exactly happened. I can't remember thinking to myself 'I'm calling it quits now, see ya.' because it's not like me to leave without saying goodbye to everyone and explaining my reasons.

To summarize it a bit: One year ago I left the community because of several reasons, made a 'comeback' but can't even remember it myself because life kept me busy.

So no, I'm convinced that I won't be here forever. I think life as an adult keeps getting busier and busier, so there won't be any time left for playing games. Plus, you'll start to appreciate other ways of relaxation and free time will be spend in different ways. I noticed that my dad and stepmom hardly have any free time. Also, the spare time they do have, is spend on doing things together. Because honestly, they're so busy with jobs and kids, that I don't think my dad would waste his time with his girlfriend on playing a shooter game.

But don't worry about it Sentry, keep your thoughts with the present and enjoy TEF and all the friends you've made because of it.

I just... needed to know.

Oh, okay! :|

Aw, humbug!