In the story "The Dark Heart of the Forest," Nikola was left at birth and has grown up in foster care. Despite a family willing to take him in, the sixteen-year-old decides to forge his own path. Along the way, he encounters Camille, a captivating fifteen-year-old with a sharp wit, and proposes they have a child together. Confident in his ability to tackle any challenge, Nikola is determined to avoid interference from adults. Together, Camille and Nikola escape their living situation and seek refuge in the depths of the forest.
As they venture deeper into the shadowy and enigmatic woods, Nikola is confronted with his own emotions and the journey towards manhood begins. Gradually, he realizes that not everything is within his control, and he must navigate the complexities of growing up amidst the untamed wilderness.
