Metamorphosis

"It's already too late, I have to go back now," the Son muses, his body trembling with stress. The conflicting forces of his desire to find the cocoon and his conscience's plea to obey his Father wage a fierce battle within him. Ultimately, the allure of the unknown triumphs. A little more time away won't make a difference now, he convinces himself. And indeed, his risk proves fruitful as he discovers it—the cocoon nestled snugly within the expansive trunk of the immense tree. Today, the tree appears even more colossal, its broken and merged appearance exuding an eerie aura. The cocoon, pulsating with familiarity, releases heavy droplets of the crimson liquid, some of which splash into the nearby stream. The fluid possesses weight, causing leaves to bow low as they are coated with its descent. Standing at the entrance of the opening, the Son realizes that the flowing red liquid downstream blocks his path to the cocoon. "I cannot leave now; I must touch it," he declares aloud, driven by primal curiosity toward the enigmatic entity within. Step by cautious step, he approaches, desperately avoiding the mysterious liquid's assault. But the frequency of droplets intensifies, making it inevitable that he will be struck. The Son raises his hands to shield his eyes, yet a drop lands on his hand. Hissing in pain, a gentle burning that gradually intensifies. Another droplet lands on his neck, tracing its way down his spine. Slapping his back, the Son experiences a sensation far beyond mere tingling—an excruciating stabbing pain. More drips fall, pelting his body from all angles. The pain escalates with each passing second. It appears as though the cocoon senses his presence, its visual pulsations quickening. The liquid ceases to drip; instead, it gushes forth from the tree in a torrent. Heavy pounding heartbeat starts tracing out under the bark, the terrified son tries to flee, but his efforts prove futile. The viscous substance clings to him, impeding his escape. The fluid splashes against his body, submerging him in its red embrace. It sears his skin, burns his lungs, and makes it increasingly difficult to breathe. The imprisoned boy feels choking, coughing, and breathing heavily. Just before losing consciousness, he hears the sound of tree bark fracturing—the cocoon inside has started expanding.