Komorebi; sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees.
Six months trapped in hospital with a brain tumour and I didn’t want to spend another moment in doors. But my wife and nurse insisted on a few days resting and strength rebuilding at home before I went back to my hobby of hiking.
‘Take it easy,’ my wife said as we arrived at the forest trail.
‘I shall do,’ I replied and we set off.
Spring was high in the air. The flowers and leaves on the trees out in full and the gentle breeze carried their scent to me. Birds were singing loudly, making the perfect music to our walk. Sunlight was coming down through the trees, creating dancing patches of light on the ground.
The air was so clean and fresh, a shock after the disinfected air of the hospital. There was colour everywhere, so different from the blandness I’d been in. Warmth kissed my skin and I looked up at the sun through the trees’ leaves. I took deep breaths, eyes shut, let the light play across me and relaxed fully for the first time in almost year.
‘Are you okay?’ my wife asked.
I nodded.
‘I’ve missed this,’ I said quietly, ‘nature is the best healer.’
The Story Files 