The Path to the Forest

After a pause, the broom lowers its voice in a strange, serious way—like it's about to share a big secret.
– “Alright…But only if you promise to come back.The forest isn’t a place for children to stay.”
Then it spins across the floor, sweeping aside the steam with its handle.On one of the dark floor tiles, it draws a small sign in the smoke:A circle with a winding line leading outward.
– “When it hits midnight, everything freezes.Take the third door on the left.There’s a hidden path… a broken metal stair leading down,from there, a narrow tunnel that leads to the striped tree.That tree… that’s the door to the forest.”
Hana listens carefully.Her eyes are red from the steam, but glowing.
– “There… look for the old man with the crystal tears.His eyes are like the moon, and he never smiles.But if he likes you… he’ll give you his tears.”
The broom pulls a small metal pipe from its pocket.Something like a tiny whistle or flute.
– “Take this. If you get lost, blow it. Just once.I’ll hear you… if you’re still alive.”
Hana takes the flute.She smiles.
– “I promise I’ll come back.”
The broom sighs, wraps itself in mist, and murmurs:
– “Tonight… midnight.Only then can you go. Only then.”