It is my recommendation that all addendums are ignored.
Morning Glory Forest
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Prelude
Call me █████████. Some weeks ago — never mind how long precisely — having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me at home, I thought I would walk about a little and see the greener part of the world.
In my travels with my partner █████, I had stumbled upon a forest overrun with the tendrils of a plant known as Morning Glory located near the town of ████ ████, ██. Venturing further into the heart of the woods, I had found what we believed at the moment to be the point of origin, which I can only describe as a vertical conglomerate of foliage that had grown into itself, forming a wall that neither of our hands could unfurl. Further exploring this wall with █████ in tow, the sight of a gap in the mass of plants invited us to the deepest section of the woods, which we accepted without second thought.
Upon our initial discovery of the forest the two of us spent time in awe of the almost undisturbed and secluded world, free from any pollution and from other people. There was shelter, and there was forage. For that day, we considered it a home. It was only approximately a fortnight after leaving this home when we had found ourselves in a troublesome situation. A situation that required us to flee, and to flee far. █████ and I spent a day and a night trekking back to that forest, hoping to use it as a safe space of sorts during our travels. We trudged through the vines once more, to the same entrance we had used previously.
Only, something about the forest had changed, because within minutes of our arrival, the gap seemingly mended itself to a state of homogeneity; it had been as if the entrance had never existed to begin with. After becoming aware of this, I would search the area available to us, in hope of discovering an exit large enough for us both. My efforts were fruitless.
The following days were spent with █████ acting passively, while I continued leading searches to find a method of returning whence we came. Not wishing to perish of boredom before my chronic illnesses — as well as to introduce some levity — I had taken up journaling. Journaling our schedules, plans, meals, and the sparse unpleasant thought. One topic I had never written about was the state of everything around us. I desired to create a sort of analytical perspective on things. And what better suited subject than the environment I find myself in?
For the lack of an official title, I have dubbed this area as the Morning Glory Forest, as objective as the name may be. Forest will also be used interchangeably.
Passage I - Interior
In the confines of the forest, I've found that a majority of it is simply undisturbed, save for a few buildings I will discuss momentarily. In terms of non-i. indica natural vegetation, it's identical as that of outside the walls, as far as my memory serves. There's nothing all too defining. Local wildflowers and weeds are plentiful, as are trees of varying sizes. None of the trees are in close proximity to the wall, so the possibility of climbing one to escape is out of the picture. Even if it was, I would be abandoning my partner if I did so, as he lacks eyesight and the upper body strength to climb a tree. I digress, though.
Forage
Amazingly, it seems that this place has a mild abundance of edible forage. Dandelions were one of the first things I sought after for a meal. They're uncommon and distributed throughout the area, but are always found in groups. I've taken a liking to them.
As for fruit, I've stumbled upon a few mulberry trees that are constantly producing berries at this time of year. These ended up becoming a major staple of our diet, as their sheer amount of production meant it would be wasteful to not gorge ourselves with them. Another fruit I happened to discover were peaches. While much more limited than the mulberries, █████ and I still enjoy one as a treat every now and then. Perhaps it's simply the lack of variety in our current diet, but I find the taste extraordinary.
Landscape
In terms of landscape, the area is relatively flat, with the occasional mildest of inclines. Grass is somewhat overgrown, but isn't intrusive to walk through. Dirt paths are only near the aforementioned building. There's a sizeable pond to the west (?) of that area that █████ gathers water from before purifying it. The water is stagnant and lacks any organisms in it, including any aquatic plants.
Although not part of the natural landscape, there is an area that consists of four raised beds, overrun with weeds and grass. It's of no use to us as there's nothing to plant and not enough time for them to grow before winter.
Building
The one building here is almost in disrepair. A log cabin, seemingly professionally built, as it's in better condition than I thought it would be. The only apparent damage appears to be a few sections of roof and wall having rotted, as well as moss lining the roof, although I can hardly consider that damage. More of a sign of age. Indoors is only a single room, with tables lining the edges and plenty of storage bins. My guess for this buildings use was a sort of workshop. I did the honors of doing some rudimentary cleaning upon our first arrival to have a suitable enough shelter for a night. Unfortunately now, it's become our permanent home.
As for the contents of the storage boxes, it's far too much to explain at the time of writing.
Passage II - Morning Glory
As the namesake implies, the defining feature of the forest is the colossal growth of morning glory (more specifically the specie Ipomoea Indica) which reaches in all directions from an unknown point of origin. Given the size of the forest, it is likely that the growth is made of several offspring of a "mother" (Misnomer. I. indica is hermaphroditic.) that have spread far into the outskirts. The plant has overtaken a majority of the natural vegetation outside by climbing over others and twisting its way through the environment, making it likely that this is an invasive species.
Wall
The wall that surrounds us is the densest part of the plant. █████ and I are both unable to do so much as find a groove for our fingers to grip. The density of the wall itself seems to vary. There are sections where shaking the wall produces a sound reminiscent of a chain link fence, which would explain how i. indica was able to climb almost 3.5 meters (estimate) vertically. In all attempts to tear through the wall, we would end up returning later, and finding that in its place, more vines had surrounded the wound, as if it was attempting to heal it.
An oddity I've taken note of is the lack of blooming flowers. Buds are prominent, being colored a combination of white and violet, but regardless of the hour of day, they seem to never bloom. Despite this, the buds seem to regrow after dying and falling from the plant, at a quick rate I might add. Within a day, the entire surrounding ground can be carpeted in decaying buds, only for new ones to sprout and begin the cycle once more. I don't believe the plants are dehydrated or nutrient deficient in any form, as this occurs daily.
Another oddity is the manner in which the morning glory seemingly refuses to grow within the confines of the area it surrounds. I have yet to see it branch into the heart of the forest in the slightest. The only instances of growth point away from the core itself, regardless of suitable conditions for the plant to spread inside.
It is my recommendation that all addendums are ignored.
Passage III - Analysis
Given the events and discoveries that have transpired lately — although I believe I have enough information to reach a conclusion of sorts on the forest.
Intentional or not by whomever has abandoned this place, the plants here have but one goal. To protect and care for any inhabitants that may find themselves lost. I do not subscribe to the idea that there is anything of significant or monetary value hidden within, and any of the latter one might happen upon is purely coincidental. Perhaps the hostility of the plants to those coming in and attempting to leave is a testament to their goal. It's possible that the only ones who are allowed access to the bounty of the forest are those desperate enough to make the journey, knowing they are never to return.
There is a cruel twist of irony in it all. With the providence of prolonged confinement, the forest is bound to cause emotional distress to those who cannot leave or continue to attempt living inside. The inherent nature of those who may be drawn to it leaves the chances of help arriving up to pure, unaffiliated luck. The rest of their lives will be spent in a world devoid of others, repeating the same cycles day after day, observing the same surroundings present since the start of it all. And on the day they breathe their last breath, whether the cause be natural or by their own hands, the fading sight of a viridescent wall having fulfilled its purpose will accompany them.
It is my recommendation that all addendums are ignored.