Out of the Woods
It had
been three dark, long, lonely, December days since the plane went down in Black
Mountain. There were plane parts scattered throughout the snowy woods. It could
have easily been mistaken for an abandoned junk yard. The engines were still
smoking. The scent of fuel mixed with the crisp mountain air. I spent most of
my time searching for other survivors, but none could be found. I’m not proud
of it, but I resorted to looting purses, luggage, and wallets for useful tools and
food. I found took things like sewing kits, knives, blankets, socks, tinder for
fire, pre-packaged snacks, alcohol, and water bottles. I only took what I could
carry in my backpack, and it was growing heavy. I knew I had to tough it out.
I was
miles from the original crash site. I was alone. Night fall was the worst. The
trees began to change into monsters and demons, and the faint sounds of wolves
howling felt closer than ever. I had to start a fire as not to freeze to death,
and I opened a package of airline nuts. I savored each one and let my mind
wander to simpler, more pleasant times. I took a Polaroid of us out of my
pocket and cracked a grin. My necklace was hanging from your neck, as usual,
and you were wearing a pastel pink, lacey sun dress. Your hair was a curly mess
and your lipstick had faded, but you had the most beautiful smile. I longed for
that sweet face.
I
pulled a blanket from my backpack, lied down, and hummed our favorite song. I
envisioned us moving the furniture so we could dance, like we stood a chance.
It wasn’t always the most graceful thing, but it was your favorite way to spend
time together. I managed to drift off to sleep, but I never fully rested. As I
opened my eyes, I saw you looking at me, but the instant I blinked you were
gone.
I got
up just as the sun was peaking over the horizon. I stared into the woods and
sighed. I stood there for what felt like forever, and the trees seemed as
though they would never end. I put out my fire, packed up my blanket, and
trekked on. I walked for hours. The sun was straight above me reminding me that,
even in December, the mountains could feel like Hell. I felt a sharp pain in my
foot, so I found a fallen tree to sit on for a moment. I pulled off my boot,
removed my sock, and found a decent cut on my big toe. Weird, I wonder how that
happened. I dug through my backpack and took out a travel-sized sewing kit I
had taken from an elderly woman’s carry-on. I then took out a tiny bottle of
whiskey I had found at the crash site by chance. I dipped the needle into the
whiskey to sterilize it, then began to stitch up my toe. I’m sure it took a
good twenty stitches to close that cut. Who knew such a small appendage would
need so many stitches. Once I was done, I swallowed down the rest of the
whiskey and just sat there. I scanned the woods for anything remotely life
like. Nothing.
I put
my boot and sock back on, packed my things, and stood up slowly. I took a deep
breath and walked slowly in the same direction I had decided to go. I
remembered that I hadn’t eaten anything since the night before, so I grabbed
another package of nuts from my backpack and ate slowly to match the pace of my
tired legs.
My head
was down as I walked. Thoughts of death slowly entered my mind. I was hungry,
tired, and alone. These woods were endless, I was lost, and I just wanted out.
It seemed hopeless. I pulled a knife from my pocket and stared at it longingly.
I heard something softly fall into the snow beside me. The Polaroid had fallen
out of my pocket. I picked it up and started to cry. I had to make it out. I
had to figure out a way to get home.
I
tucked everything away and felt a rush of adrenaline flow into my body. I ran.
I don’t think I have ever run so fast. I kept my focus forward, jumping over root
and dodging branches. As I was weaving through the trees, I thought I could see
them thinning. Could it be? Was I finally out of the woods? Would I finally be
in the clear?
I threw
my backpack off without a thought and ran faster. I was almost there. I could see
faint outlines of buildings. Civilization. Just before I reached the clearing,
I lost my footing and fell. I heard a terrible crunch and felt excruciating pain
in my left side. It felt warm. I writhed in pain, and I let out a frustrated
scream. I was so close, yet so far. I lied there and just let my eyes close…
I sat
up quickly trying to catch my breath. I pulled the covers back and sat on the
edge of the bed. I looked over my shoulder at you as you slept peacefully beside
me.
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