(Caption) The maiden in the Forest Cage

He was exploring the forest, just wanting to go a little farther and see what lay beyond the map. Unexpectedly, amidst the morning mist, he found a golden cage wrapped in vines and sparkling dewdrops, as if it had fallen out of a fairy tale. Curious, he approached and touched the edge of the cage, and in the next moment, the door closed on its own, trapping him inside.

He called for help, and the rescue team responded through his communicator, saying it would take several days to reach him. He could only wait helplessly.

During the first few days, he was thirsty and hungry. Just when he could not endure anymore, beautiful birds flew over, carrying fresh juicy fruits and dropping them inside. After eating them, he felt light and floaty, as if even his fear and exhaustion were lifted. Dew dripped from leaves and petals, and he used that cool water to clean himself. As time passed, his skin became fair and soft, his fingertips emitting a faint fragrance.

He dared not think too much about what those fruits really were, but he had to rely on them.

Days went by, and his hair grew unusually long, smooth in a way that did not feel like his own. Frustrated as he tried to tie it up, the birds delivered delicate hair styling tools, including combs, curling rods, ribbons, and clips, nothing missing.

Boredom became his greatest enemy. After hesitating for a long time, he finally reached for the comb. As he slowly brushed through the silky strands, he suddenly felt like he had regained some control over life. Sitting cross legged beside the vine wrapped cage bars, he carefully parted, braided, unbraided, curled, and adorned his hair. It shone like silk, cascading over the surrounding green leaves.

Soon, the birds brought even more astonishing items: pink blossom shaped blush, shimmering eyeshadow, minty lip gloss, delicate lace gloves, and dresses decorated with shoes, stockings, and accessories.

He hesitated again, but loneliness made him give in. His fingertips twisted open lids, adding touches of color to his cheeks like petals brushing lightly across his skin. His eyelashes were curled, long and fluttery, and his eyes shimmered like the forest night. His lips turned soft and rosy, as though they had always been like that.

The dress was layer upon layer of lace, tulle, and ribbon shaped like flower petals. When he gently put it on, pale blue and soft pink intertwined beautifully, flowers blooming all around the hem, as if the entire forest was embracing him. White stockings hugged his legs, their floral decorations trembling slightly with each movement, and the ribbon around his waist highlighted a slender curve. Even the shoes felt soft and perfect, like gifts from fairies.

He tried adjusting the floral headpiece while peering into a reflection on a droplet of dew. Curling strands fell around his face, ribbons trailing gracefully. He froze for a moment. The reflection showed not a lost explorer anymore, but a fairytale forest maiden.

At some point, he realized he had already grown accustomed to existing this way. Birds fluttered around her now, and she began believing she was not someone who stumbled here by accident, but a girl who had always lived inside this cage of the forest.

The rescue team finally arrived, calling his name. She paused, fingers clutching the lace of her gloves. Yet from her lips came a soft reply.

"You have the wrong person, I have always been the girl of this forest."

The rescuers exchanged confused looks and left. The vines outside swayed as if to completely bury any hope of escape.

A bird perched on her shoulder, gently brushing her cheek. She lowered her gaze to adjust her ribbons and flowers. When she looked up again, there was no hesitation.

She sat inside the flower adorned cage, her skirt blooming with the breeze, as if she had always belonged there. No one would ever call her by her former identity again.

She no longer remembered who that was.

The forest kept its caged maiden forever.