A House Of My Own

Rain

I woke to the sound of rain. In the city rain seems different. It's an inconvenience. It highlights how dirty everything is...but out here, it's purifying. It makes everything seem greener and gives me a hopeful feeling in my belly. I couldn't get dressed fast enough. Ripping clothes out of the small crate I'd packed last week of essentials to keep in the house. I knew I should probably wrap up and stay dry but I couldn't miss the opportunity to feel that rain on my skin just once. Running outside, barefoot, my linen pants and cream top getting lightly soaked. The droplets were being softened by the dense trees so while there was a lot of rain, I had a small amount of cover from the brunt of the wetness. However, while I made my way down the makeshift path that had been trodden, I welcomed the small dewy drops on my cheeks and nose. It felt as if I were becoming a part of the forest as it was becoming very important to me.

My land extended about 3 acres in each direction from the house, and I tried to keep track of where I should turn back but being such a natural terrain it was hard to know where my boundary was. When I had walked for about 30 minutes, I sat down on a log, not caring that my pants would likely soak through and closed my eyes, just to sit and listen to the sounds of nature all around me. A happy escape from the bustle of the big city.

Snapping branches pulled me from my day dreaming as I opened my eyes.  A large German shepherd was looking tentatively at me from a little bit away, obviously confused as to why I was where I was.

"hey love, it's okay, what are you doing out here?" I cooed to it, trying to sound inviting. If it was a stray I didn't want to be injured out here so far from my cell or Gretta.

Before I could worry further, the dog bounded back into the brush from the direction it came from, barking happily. I didn't know whether to follow it or not. My curiosity got the better of me,  after a few seconds and I crept after the hound, scratching my legs and arms on the untamed greenery.

"where'd you run off to, Blue?" I heard a voice ask, freezing in my tracks. I couldn't see anyone around but they were definitely up ahead somewhere. I began to turn away, hoping to get back to my house before this stranger went looking for what got Blue, as he called the dog, so interested.

Walking swiftly back the way I came, I couldn't help but think about what danger this forest cottage could cause me. That man could have been a hunter, stealing my game, if that's how it works. And there could be more of them? And if he has a dog does that mean there are creatures out there worse than hunters and their dogs? Like bears and badgers.

By the time I'd gotten home I did manage calm down, there was something soothing about the old building. Getting inside I climbed back into my pajamas and cuddled up in my blow up mattress bed.

Maybe I should consider getting to know the Forest a little better before I go running around like I know best. And hopefully I can find out more about Blue and her mysterious owner...

                              ***

A/N

Oh ho, the plot thickens. Enjoy this yummy scrap. I'm off to bed.

x JR