The Tracking

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

I used to tell my adoptive parents that I had form claustrophobia that didn't take my breath away and leave me gasping in crowded elevators or tiny powder rooms.

No, I felt the claustrophobia as though my soul itself wanted to my burst from my body and haunt every song on earth. I felt the claustrophobia as a numb, dull ache whenever I would stare out at the perfectly manicured grounds of the Redford Estate. I felt the claustrophobia in the too green grass, too white walls and the too tall fence. I felt the claustrophobia as an absence instead.

Adira had a pretty a voice, and she hummed pretty melodies under her breath without realizing it as we drove.

The ride had been comfortable so far.

She had been comfortable so far.

Occasionally she would glance over at me as though making sure I hadn't disappeared or been miraculously stolen away by one of Valcov's men. I knew that by the time we reached the end of these curving and forest lined roads, I would owe her my life. I trusted her like I trusted that the moon would rise again the next night when I was a child; not knowing why, but believing nothing so beautiful and so alone could be anything other than loyal.

Adira glanced at me, and smiled. "Are you doing alright? We have about an hour and a half left."

I nodded, and stared back out the window. "Canada is beautiful. It's free."

She laughed, and we turned off the main road onto a smaller one. It was narrow, and the trees hugged the roadside. Almost immediately, I saw her relax.

"Free?" In what way is Canada free? I thought you Americans did free better than anyone else?" She gave a light chuckle.

"It's free in the way the ivy and the wildflowers hug the trees. It's free in the way that the mountains try to kiss the sun. It's free in the way it isn't willed into submission. It's free in the way it just... is." My voice was quiet, and I let my voice drop to almost inaudible. "It's free in the way my soul is beginning to settle into it's prison of flesh and bones."

"Yes," Adira nodded. "I suppose Canada is free- in that sense at least."

As we continued on closer, Adira began tapping on the wheel. Her eyes had a slight glaze to them, and I noticed her mouth moving at a barely perceptible speed. Every few moments her gaze would snap left; drawn to something outside the driver's side window. Something was not right, yet everything felt like it was falling into place the deeper we went.

The further we travelled into the woods, the more I felt my existence clicking into place. I had always been fascinated with idea of fate and it seemed as though whatever I was heading towards was destiny. Adira took in a sharp breath and turned to look at me. Her eyes were troubled and a darker blue.

"Bexley," She began in a serious tone, her voice hard and quiet. I sat up straight and met her eyes. "My-" She paused to swallow. "Some of the people you will meet are not entirely... conventional." There was a clearing in the distance. "They don't take well to outsiders and I can't promise that you will be welcomed. But, don't worry, I'll do everything I can to help you." Her hands were shaking. "Just please... If you have questions- keep them locked inside."

The first building appeared to my left as I gave her a quiet yes. Within seconds, we were engulfed by the tiny town. The buildings were old, yet boasted character. Trees lined both sides of the street, and the sidewalk had cracks in it. The most alarming aspect was how empty the town seemed. The sidewalks were bare, and the stores were devoid of life. Our car slowly crawled through the town.