Tucked beneath the quiet canopy, I began building a cozy shelter on the trunk of a fallen tree. Moss-covered and sturdy, the massive log offered a natural foundation. I wove flexible branches across its length, layering them with ferns and bark to form walls and a slanted roof. Dry leaves and pine needles piled inside created a soft, insulated floor. A small opening faced south, welcoming sunlight. As dusk fell, I lit a candle within, its glow reflecting warmth off the wood. Nestled high on the trunk, the shelter felt like a hidden treehouse—safe, earthy, and cradled by nature’s quiet strength.
