Cypress

The body

The tranquility of the trail awakened every sense within Winona. Weathered oak tree limbs encased it in an almost fairytale way. The Spanish moss that draped from the branches gave everything a spooky effect, making her shiver despite the warm temperature. She needed to be on her guard and not do anything stupid.

She tried thinking about how she should act if she happened to come across someone she knew. Obviously she couldn't "make small talk", so the next best option was to just wave and keep going. If she was really lucky, the only things she'd be seeing on her detour were the usual birds and frogs.

The soft Louisiana wind gently tousled her brown hair. The sun that had risen so proudly in the east, had now begun to set in the west. The crickets and cicadas could be heard singing their shrill chirping symphonies.

Winona had only walked roughly a mile, but her calves were burning more than usual. The further she walked, the closer she came to the swamp. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. The air had become infused with the dank smell of muddied water and pond scum.

She continued along the beaten path, too nervous to branch off and explore as she normally would. The all-to familiar feeling of being watched made her pick up her pace to a jog.

What was it about the woods anyway? There were times when it gave comfort, and times when it gave unease. Mother Nature was funny like that. The soft tinkling sound of running water filled her ears. Winona, finally letting let her curiosity get the best of her, ambled towards the sound.

The thick trees prevented a clear view from the trail, but further down there was a gap for better access to the water. She quietly walked this way, towards the small fishing dock at the end. The sun had already sunken below the tree line, casting everything in a purple hue. A small boat was tied to the dock post. Discarded cigarettes and beer bottles lie scattered in its wake. Winona silently wished that people would take better care of the swamp.

She didn't trust the old creaky wood of the dock so she treaded lightly, careful to avoid the broken planks. The boards creaked and groaned under her weight. Tucking a sweaty strand of hair behind her ear, she'd desperately wished she had brought some water. Her lips and mouth were already parched from the walk. Winona walked closer to the docks edge, peering down at the waters below.

A gasp escaped her lips and she almost collapsed where she stood. Her blood ran cold. There, floating face up in the water, was the body of a woman.
                                      ~•~