The Woods
Since childhood, the haunting tale of the Beast lurking within the woods has been etched into the very fabric of my existence. It wasn’t the fairy tales of Rapunzel or Cinderella that danced in the minds of children in our small town; instead, it was the chilling legend of a figure shrouded in darkness. They spoke of his departure from the city, abandoning the warmth of civilization for the seclusion of the forest. With each retelling, his reputation grew more fearsome—he was described as ruthless, his heart as cold and barren as the winter winds, incapable of love. The mere mention of his name sent shivers down our spines, for it was said that his eyes held the unmistakable mark of the Beast, a chilling revelation that pierced through the bravest souls.
These tales formed the backdrop of my upbringing, shaping my curiosity and fueling my fascination. Questions swirled in my mind like leaves caught in a tempest: Why is he so cold? What happened to him that made him hate love? Can anyone still save him? Lost in thought,, I was abruptly pulled from my reverie by the stern voice of my mother, her presence filling the room with a sense of urgency.
“Metanoia Marie Octavia, why are you still not ready? You need to get ready,” she chided, her piercing blue eyes fixing upon me with unwavering intensity. Though I loved her dearly, there was a commanding force in her gaze that left little room for defiance. In her anger, those eyes seemed to bore into my very soul, compelling obedience with their unspoken authority.
Gazing into the mirror, I found a striking blend of blue and green that seemed to reflect the depth of my soul. With a sigh, I shrugged into a baggy shirt and leggings, resigned to the unruly chaos of my hair that defied any semblance of taming.
“Alright, alright. I’m getting ready,” I called out in response to my mother’s persistent reminders, her departure from my room as habitual as ever, the door left ajar in her wake. The prospect of the impending camping trip puzzled me—why venture into the wilderness with the specter of the Beast looming over our thoughts? My mother dismissed the legend as nothing more than a cautionary tale meant to tether wayward children to their parents, but regardless of its veracity, the adventure appealed to me.
Nature held a profound allure for me, a sanctuary of tranquility amidst the chaos of everyday life. Closing my eyes, I could almost feel the gentle caress of the breeze against my skin, the symphony of bird calls and the melody of flowing water enveloping me in a cocoon of serenity. It was moments like these that reminded me of the profound beauty inherent in the natural world, a beauty that transcended fear and uncertainty.
Following the tantalizing scent of breakfast wafting from the kitchen, I descended the stairs, my stomach protesting loudly in anticipation of the impending feast. With each step, I drew closer to the source of my affection—the love of my life, embodied in a stack of fluffy pancakes awaiting my embrace.
I find my dad in his customary spot, nestled by the window, engrossed in the morning paper behind his round, slightly comical glasses. Sneaking up behind him, I wrap my arms around his shoulders, eliciting a surprised chuckle from him.
“Morning, dad,” I greet him with a grin as he sets aside the newspaper, his smile mirroring my own. “How was your night?”
“Morning, sugar,” he replies affectionately, returning my embrace. “I slept like a log. And you?”
“Pretty good,” I reply, releasing him to grab a seat at the table. “Just eager to get started on our adventure.”
He nods in agreement, his eyes twinkling with excitement. “Indeed. But first, breakfast. We’ve got a big day ahead.”
I eagerly load up my plate with a stack of pancakes, the scent of maple syrup mingling with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. As I pour myself a cup, I can’t help but marvel at the perfect harmony between the two—a pairing so divine that I can’t fathom starting my day without it. If you disagree, well, I’m sorry, but I’m convinced you’re missing out on one of life’s simplest pleasures.
With breakfast behind us, we meticulously cleaned our home, ensuring that not a single trace of our presence remained. Despite the relatively short duration of our trip—just three days—the array of bags we amassed hinted at the abundance of provisions and essentials we deemed necessary for our adventure.
“Alright, everyone, let’s hit the road. Remember, leave nothing behind,” my dad called out, his voice filled with a sense of urgency as he began ferrying our belongings to the awaiting car.
After a couple of hours spent amidst a cacophony of music and lively word games, the dense foliage of the woods finally came into view. Unlike most campers who opt for traditional tents, our family had the luxury of a trailer hitched to the back of our car—an arrangement born from a pragmatic fear of unwelcome visitors, be they of the human or furry variety. As we navigated the winding paths leading deeper into the wilderness, I couldn’t help but marvel at the juxtaposition of our cozy, home-like trailer against the untamed backdrop of nature.
It’s a peculiar sensation, I muse to myself, to find oneself nestled in the embrace of creature comforts while still enveloped by the wild beauty of the outdoors. With our temporary home set up and our immediate needs attended to, I felt a surge of restless energy beckoning me to explore the woods while the sun still hung high in the sky. Without hesitation, I set off, eager to immerse myself in the wonders of nature that awaited just beyond the trees.
“Ma! I’m going to explore the woods for a bit. I’ll be back before sundown,” I announced, anticipation coursing through me.
“Alright, sweetie. Be safe. I love you,” she responded, her words carrying both warmth and concern.
“Love you too,” I replied, a smile tugging at my lips as I prepared to embark on my adventure.
As the midday sun beat down relentlessly, I quickly changed into a pair of shorts and liberally applied bug spray to ward off any pesky insects. With my phone securely in hand, I stepped out into the lush wilderness that awaited beyond our campsite.
The woods were a symphony of color and life, each tree adorned with vibrant foliage and teeming with a myriad of creatures going about their daily routines. Entranced by the beauty that surrounded me, I wandered aimlessly, allowing myself to become lost in the tranquility of nature.
Then, as if conjured by some benevolent magic, I stumbled upon a scene of pure enchantment—a waterfall cascading gracefully from the heights of the mountains, its crystal-clear waters pooling at the base in a shimmering oasis. Around it, a carpet of wildflowers danced in the gentle breeze, their vibrant hues adding to the surreal beauty of the tableau.
Mesmerized by the sight before me, I felt a shiver run down my spine, an inexplicable sense of unease creeping over me. Instinctively, I scanned my surroundings, searching for any sign of danger or intrusion.
But there was nothing.
The woods remained silent, save for the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, and yet the feeling persisted—a prickling sensation at the back of my neck, as though unseen eyes were watching my every move. Brushing off the sensation with a nervous laugh, I continued on, determined not to let my imagination run wild in the face of such natural splendor.
Reluctantly tearing myself away from the mesmerizing sight of the waterfall, I savored one last lingering glance at its ethereal beauty before reluctantly turning to leave. The encroaching shadows of dusk reminded me of the pressing need to return to camp, prompting me to quicken my pace.
But fate had other plans.
With a sudden jolt, I collided headlong into an immovable obstacle, the impact knocking the breath from my lungs. Stumbling backward, I looked up to find myself ensnared in a gaze so captivating, it stole the very air from my lungs.
His appearance was a study in contrasts—dark brown locks streaked with fiery red, eyes as vivid as emeralds yet clouded with weariness, framed by long, lush lashes that brushed against his softly sculpted cheeks. A pair of lips, full and inviting, hovered tantalizingly close, tempting me with their unspoken allure. A height of 6’1 towering over my 5’4 frame. He exuded a presence that commanded attention, leaving me feeling small and insignificant in comparison.
In that moment, time seemed to stand still as we locked eyes, the intensity of his gaze piercing through me like a bolt of lightning. It was as if he were peering into the very depths of my soul, unraveling the secrets hidden within.
He spoke, his voice a melodic symphony that sent shivers down my spine, each word dripping with a weighty significance that left me reeling.
“Why are you here?” he queried, his tone soft yet laced with an undercurrent of authority that threatened to engulf me.
Before I could formulate a response, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over me, the world tilting. Strong arms enveloped me, anchoring me to reality as darkness crept in at the edges of my vision.
And then, with a whispered promise of oblivion, consciousness slipped away, leaving me engulfed in the comforting embrace of darkness. In all my 19 years of life I haven’t ever seen anyone as handsome as him.
