The Matrimony

38// Cabin Fever

Diana

I should have probably thought things through before driving off. I was familiar with the mountain roads but I only knew so much. I had planned to find a secluded spot to clear my mind, but I realized I was in way over my head when I couldn't remember the way home. I drove around some more hoping to find the way home or at least a mountain guide or something of the sort. The sun was beginning to set. I didn't have much time left to get myself out of here. Getting lost was one thing, but getting lost at night was a whole different issue. I drove around aimlessly to no avail. But I wasn't going to give up. I continued to drive when the engine began to sputter.

God no!. This couldn't be happening. I sent a silent prayer to the Man above. Please not now, not here!. The Silver Camaro pulled through for another minute or so before it gave up. Why me?!. I hastily got out of the car and popped the hood. I had no idea what I was looking for but that was what they did in the movies, so I was probably on the right track. But as I looked at the several parts and cables, I realized two things.

One, that I knew nothing about the workings of a car and two, I was royally fucked.

I closed the hood and plopped on top of it. I yelled out in frustration and then felt something wet on my cheek. Sweet Lord, please let that be a stray tear. Please.

The rain came down in a torrential downpour. The weather forecast for today was a bright and sunny day. What was happening?. Was I being punished?.

I rushed back to the car and rummaged around for my phone to call someone, anyone. But then I remembered I had left it at home in my hasty attempt to flee. I burst into tears once more.

The only recurring thought in my head was Alejandro. How had we gone from doing so good to this?. I guess I was just fooling myself all along. Thinking that he would change. I cried for a girl who was robbed of the chance to live her life the way she wanted. I cried for a girl who was robbed of her innocence and above all, I cried for a love lost.

I don't know how long I sat there crying but the rain hadn't let up even a little bit. I was terribly conflicted. On one hand I wanted to stay in the car, thinking that would be the safest idea but on the other hand what if I got robbed?, or worse attacked by some wild animal?!. Even if I did want to leave the car, that option was temporarily on hold. It was pitch black outside. The only source of the light being the crescent moon which had been covered by the nimbus clouds. I could barely make out my hand in front of me. I prayed I made it through the night.

In little to no time, the downpour had reduced to a slight drizzle. I said a prayer full of thanks. I grabbed my coat for warmth and got out of the car. The clouds had cleared away, so the moon offered enough light to illuminate the path. I decided to take my chances with nature. Hopefully I was going to stumble on a way home or find some help.

I had been walking for roughly 30 minutes but no such luck. I was now barefoot as walking around in the muddy ground with 4 inch heels had proved difficult. My muddied slacks could attest to that. I was severely tired. Having only eaten breakfast was not a helping factor and my present predicament only seemed to worsen my feeling of fatigue. I was about to yell for help when I heard the snap of a twig. My blood ran cold.

Who was out there?, what was out there?. I listened closely but heard nothing. I chalked it up to fatigue and hunger causing some very scary hallucinations. I continued on my way till I heard the footsteps. They were headed my way!. I quickly looked around for a hiding spot and dove under a thick shrub of bushes. I ignored the pain as branches pierced and scratched at my skin. That was the least of my worries. I remained perfectly still. Trying not to give off my location and possibly lose my life.