The forest I’m in had no fire. No smoke signals, no ‘help’ or ‘SOS’ spelled out. I don’t need any of these. I do not want to be found.

The breeze makes the leaves quiver. Each day I explore. Some days I take my dog. Some days I make camp. Others I don’t go too astray from the shelter I call home. Living among the wild animals and trees is freedom. No one can stop me. No one will find me for I do not want to be found.

I’ve seen animals of all colors and species. Brown bear, black bear, grey wolf, red fox…. The list goes on. The few occasions I turn my portable radio on, I hear my name. Missing person they say. I’m not missing. I ran. I know exactly where I am. I’m in the midst of a forest, nature on every side. They say, “…still missing….” because I do not want to be found.