Walk in the Woods

Posted on Wed Sep 24th, 2025 @ 2:51am by Doctor Diwata Saensuk MD

551 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Long Night
Location: Muir Woods, Marin County, Earth
Timeline: Mission Day 1 at 0000

[Muir Woods]
[Marin County, American Sector, Earth]
[December 31, 2155 | 0742 Hours]

Long before the first rays of sunshine had peeked over the horizon, the forests of Muir Woods had teemed with the sounds of life. Insects chirped to one another, birds called out in song, leaves rustled in the breeze. A nearby brook gurgled over sticks and stones as it wound its way through the undergrowth. And it all blended together like some sort of natural symphony.

Saensuk stood there, listening.

It had been several years since she’d had the opportunity to be in this place, a place that she had visited quite often back when she was serving at UCSF Medical Center. Obviously, metal bulkheads and textured deck-plating were a poor substitute, but it hadn’t been until this moment (as she paused in the middle of the trail) that she truly realized how much she had missed it.

The tall trees reminded her of the rainforests she’d grown up in. A light fog, the result of moist air blown in from the ocean, filled the space between their mighty trunks. Beams of sunlight scattered and refracted in various directions, adding to the almost dream-like effect.

“Never gets old, does it,” Winters said. She was well-aware that she was stating the obvious, but then…some things were worth saying out loud.

“Mmm,” Saensuk agreed, “It’s amazing how much things can change…”

“Well, we lost one of the big ones a couple years ago,” Kralj pointed out as, slowly, their little group started walking again, “opened up a decent hole in the canopy, and…woosh…all the undergrowth wanted a piece of the action.”

“Sounds about right,” Saensuk said, “which reminds me…what’s this I hear about someone getting a promotion?”

Winters gave Kralj a look as if to say, “Told you she’d bring it up,” while Ojeda made a show of looking annoyed (though, it was clear she was anything but). The youngest of their little hiking crew, Ojeda had spent the last few years trying to land herself the division head position at her hospital. But, like a giant redwood, the outgoing supervisor had stubbornly refused to let go…until two weeks ago.

“Yeah, Heath finally put in for retirement,” Ojeda explained, “and apparently recommended me for the job.”

Saensuk raised her eyebrows. It wasn’t that she doubted Ojeda’s qualifications; far from it. She simply knew that Heath had a reputation for not always being the easiest person to work with, and for making things difficult for a select few (including Ojeda). “Whether you got his endorsement or not,” she said, “you definitely deserve it. Congratulations!”

“Thanks. I’m still not entirely convinced it’s real, yet…”

“Give it a few weeks…,” Saensuk told her.

“…or months…” Winters added.

“…or years,” Kralj chimed in, earning himself a series of scoffs from the others.

They all laughed, and Saensuk felt the warmth of it settle within her. As much as she savored this time amongst the trees, being with these people brought joy to her soul, as well. It would not be long before she would have to leave them. But, for now (in this moment), she was glad just to be here…

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