In “The Nothingness Forest,” by Margareta Ekström, the central character ventures out into the world longing for adventure and freedom, ideas she associates with growing up, but realizes that the loneliness her growing up brings is the worst possible repercussion. While she wanders around in the forest, her dog tries to guide her back to safety and home, “but the child is only aware of his keeping her from the one thing that is important and fun: walking” (Ekström 105). She aspires to explore the world and have an adventure so greatly that nothing else matters to her. As a baby, she spends her days trapped away behind fences: this is her one chance to escape and have explore something new. Her desire to walk trumps all other emotions and
