Escaping -Imagine Dragons Fanfiction -

Chapter 2

Dan

The whirlwind of the last tour had taken me to places I could only have dreamed of, but it had also been a relentless storm that left me battered and exhausted.

We had reached the peak of our current career, four Nr. 1 Singles, hundred thousands fans coming to our sold-out shows, considered one of the most successful rock bands in todays time by the most important music critics.

We had it all and I lost everything about myself at the same time.

I needed an escape from the suffocating grip of fame and the demons that whispered in the shadows of my mind.

As the plane touched down on Norwegian soil, a sense of anticipation coursed through me.

I had made a decision - to seek solace in the heart of the Norwegian countryside.

The thought of anonymity, of being free from the eyes that constantly watched my every move, was a bittersweet relief.

The drive from the airport to Undredal was a journey through landscapes that seemed untouched by time.

Verdant meadows stretched out like a carpet, and emerald forests climbed the mountainsides, their peaks disappearing into the sky and the clouds.

It was a sight that both soothed and humbled, a reminder of how small I was in the grand tapestry of the world.

As I entered Undredal, the town seemed to materialize out of a fairy tale.

Zara's directions had been clear, leading me to her old country house.

A small wooden sign marked the entrance to my destination: Zara's house.

With a backpack slung over my shoulder, I stepped out of the car, my boots crunching on gravel.

I approached the charming wooden house, a gentle breeze ruffled my hair as I knocked on the door.

Moments later, it swung open, revealing a silver-haired woman with kind eyes. Zara.

Her eyes twinkled with warmth, her smile embracing me even before words were exchanged.

"Welcome, dear," she said. "I've been expecting you."

The warmth of her greeting melting away the last doubts about coming here, alone.

"Come, let me show you were you will stay." and there it was - the cottage.

The cottage itself was a rustic gem, under the shade of towering trees and it's walls full of climbing Ivy.

Zara opened the door, revealing an interior that was as cozy as it was inviting.

Sunlight shined through the old windows, casting a gentle glow that danced upon the walls.

"Here's where you'll be staying, Dan," Zara said.

I stepped inside, the warmth of the space enveloping me like a comforting embrace.

The air smelled of wood and freshly laundered linens.

The living area was adorned with simple yet tasteful furnishings, and a fireplace stood at one end, ready to offer warmth on chilly nights.

I turned to Zara, gratitude swelling within me. "It's perfect, Zara. Thank you."

She smiled, her gaze kind and understanding. "I'm glad you think so, Dan. If you need anything while you're staying here, I'll be right over there", pointing at her house.

As she left me to settle in, I walked to the window and looked out.

The view was a painting come to life - the fjord glistening under the afternoon sun, the mountains standing tall and majestic.

For the first time in a long while, I felt truly free - free from the weight of fame, free from the expectations, and free to just be.

As I stood there, surrounded by the beauty of this hidden gem, a sense of calm washed over me.

I knew that this escape was exactly what I needed.