
It was very dark outside. I heated the food in the kitchen again, but my dad still didn’t come back from the forest. He worked as a forest ranger (护林员). In the morning, he told me he would go to check the new small trees and that I didn’t need to wait for him for dinner. But now, the wind was blowing hard and making a loud noise, like an animal. I stood at the door and called him, but he didn’t answer.
“I can’t wait any longer,” I thought. I took a flashlight from the corner and went out. The light showed me the way, but the shadows of the trees looked scary, like claws. I held the flashlight more tightly. I was worried that Dad might be lost or in trouble, so I walked into the forest slowly.
The wind blew harder, and the leaves made noise. I was scared and kept looking back, but I saw nothing. The flashlight was dying. Just then, I heard someone shout, “Xiaoyu? Is that you?”
It was Dad! I shouted, “Dad! I’m here!” I saw the light move, and then I saw his orange ranger clothes. I ran to him and jumped into his arms. I could smell the pine on him, and I almost cried. “Son, why are you here?” Dad asked. Dad’s hands were cold, but he hugged me hard. “My phone stopped working. I was on my way home.” I put my face against his coat. Listening to his heartbeat, I felt safe again.