Curse of the Oak

Chapter Fifteen

The clouds in the sky began to darken, turning from a pure white all the way into a black desert. Rays of the sun began to diminish from the sky, surrounding the world in a dark shadow, lingering on to every thought.

Des opened her eyes and discovered that she wasn't lying in her bed. For she was surrounded by a grove of trees, blocking her in as if she was in a cage of depression. Fear began dropping off her, masking her in a stench of fidgetiness.

Around her, the warm air became frosted. Goosebumps were popping up in rows. She sat up her arms coming to wrap around her body, fearing the worst. Her eyes moved around, gazing at the life around her. Everything was alive. The trees. The grass. Even the breath leaving her lips were filled with the joys of hope and growth all beings crave. Nothing was going to take her by surprise. She wouldn't be weak.

Gathering the courage and dignity she had left, Des stood up determined to go back to civilization. She just wished for one moment that she could have a normal day. Although, as the days moved forward, normal seemed more and more overrated.

A snap of a twig pulled her back to the dark depths of the forest. She peered around, hoping to uncover another truth lying around. But nothing came. There were only the shadows dancing in the frosted air. The cool depths of their hauntings were the fireworks exploding in the night.

Snow began to fall from the sky. Des hadn't seen snow in years. The last time she could remember anything about the snow was before her mother died. Since then, it was like the snow avoided the town, leaving the land cold and dark without the break of light. A light full of mystery and love.

Des wanted to be angry with her mother. Discovering all these secrets after her mother's death, with no explanation made her body shake. She could feel the secrets weighing down like rocks on her chest. Making it hard for her to breathe. It was so compact and heavy; the burden was almost too hard to hold up. With one wrong move, it could all come crashing down destroying innocent lives, along with herself. Des was not willing to let anyone else die for her. If only she could just let go of the pain and hurt, then she felt like she could breathe again. Des could finally feel the joy she had been searching for. But somewhere in her heart, she knew she would have to face this weight on her chest over and over again. It would never melt away, like the snow on the ground. Instead, the anchor would solidify like concrete. Waiting for her to pick up the axe to break free.

Clenching her fist, she stomped off in the darkness, following an unknown path. Des didn't know where she was headed, but she knew it was better than being stuck there.

Walking along the path, the snow began to blow down harder, forming little piles that were now moistening her shoes. Her socks were soaking wet squishing with ever step she took. But Des could hardly feel the cold. Her body was numb.

A rustle in the trees above stopped her dead in her tracks. Her heart stopped, her throat ceasing to breath. She knew that whatever the noise was, it wasn't something good. Not even daring a glance above, she darted down the path. Keeping her eyes to the ground, running as fast as she could. The snow around her blew harder, the wind howling like packs of wolves chasing the moon. Her hair was flying behind her as her swift feet carried her safely from the darkness.

Desiree could hear footsteps behind her.

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

They were stomping after her, clumping in the snow. She knew her only chance to hide from her pursuer would be to stray from the path. She would have to leave the safety she lingered for. The place where she was able to be herself and not think about the darkness dawdling inside her.