Hollowed

I: Arrival

I rested my head on the cold glass window of the train, my eyes focused on the passing surroundings. The strange new land was beautiful, but something about it was throwing me off. The trees seemed to be reaching out to the old train that was carrying me to my new home, the dark, stained bark that covered them seeming scarred. The mountains seemed like a cage, surrounding me on all sides and trapping me in the valley. Frowning, I shook my head, blaming the weird thoughts on the oncoming migraine I was experiencing.

You're letting your imagination get the better of you, Erin. My mother's words repeated in my head, echoing a few more times until I was able to push them away. I missed her, I really did, but her ways of parenting had been severe, leaving marks on my mind that would never leave. Discipline had been her specialty, most of it verbal, but becoming physical as I got older. Her serious, grim face flashed in my mind a few times over, making me purse my lips. I'm sorry, mom, I cried mentally, squeezing my eyes shut. I'm sorry. 

No. No, I needed to forget about her. I needed to stop blaming myself for this and move on. A new life was in store for me. A life doing something I loved, which was caring for nature. Being a forest ranger in the Hollowed Mountains was almost unheard of, but I was ready to take on the challenge... right?

                                                                          *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

I had fallen asleep for the rest of the trip, plagued by dreams of screaming trees and collapsing mountains that seemed too real, and waking up in both physical and mental pain. My neck was sore from the position I had slept in, and I found myself groaning as I stepped off the train, rubbing the back of it. Examining my surroundings, I blamed my paranoid self for my palpitating heart. Calm down, you're being dramatic Erin, my inner voice scolded as I stepped back, feeling uncertain about where I was.

The station was eerily quiet. Empty. Desolate. I swallowed, making my way as quickly as possible out of the building as my thoughts took over. What am I doing? I'm only 20! I'm not ready for this. Oh my word, was mom right? I took a deep breath, running my hand down my face while making my way down the cracked, cobblestone path to the town below. No. You're fine Erin, one step at a time. First thing's first, find the house you've rented...

I tried to occupy my thoughts with how beautiful the surrounding mountains were, but even they seemed uncannily off. The shadows running down them were seemingly out of place and many of the pines that covered them were bare, as if fires frequently ran through this area. Oh my word, just relax! I thought in irritation, shaking my head. This place is gorgeous, you're just nervous, that's all. Just... just stop. I finished my thought when I arrived at the center of the small village. Just like the station, it was silent. 

I spun around a couple times as I scanned the area, a frown on my face. Suddenly, I spotted a figure approaching me, making my heart jump with both relief and fear, if that was somehow possible. She was an older woman, maybe mid to late 70s, with long flowing gray hair. I made my way over to the woman, jogging slightly.

"Excuse me?" I called, cringing when my voice cracked slightly. Oh what a great first impression, Erin. 

The woman had a wide smile on her face as I stopped before her, causing me to raise my eyebrows slightly. "You must be the new forest ranger they sent," she rasped, and before I could respond I was engulfed in a sudden hug.

 I awkwardly returned it, patting her back. At least she likes me? I thought as she pulled away. "Y-yes, I'm Erin Lark, pleased to meet you," I replied with a nervous smile, regaining my composure. 

"Of course, yes yes, I am Ellie. I cannot begin to tell you how relieved we are that you're here. I will show you to the house now," the lady chirped, her words coming out of her mouth like a waterfall. 

"Wait... where is everyone else?" I questioned, gesturing to the empty town square. 

"Oh yes, they are only out when the sun is clearly visible... superstitious, timid folks they are," she responded with a chuckle, nodding to the setting sun. 

I swallowed nervously, wondering why Ellie was somehow different. "Right... of course," was all I could respond with, my lips quirking up in a fake smile.  

Suddenly, Ellie took my hand and pulled me along, her grip tight and all I could do was follow. The walk was long, and I found myself growing nervous at how far we were walking from the village. Finally, after what seemed like forever, we arrived at a run down shack. 

"Home sweet home!" Ellie sang, giving me the key. "It is a bit of an elderly thing, but I'm sure you'll love it. 

I nodded with another fake smile, thanking her as I entered. The house was small, but it definitely looked better on the inside. A furnace with a stove on top graced the small, slightly dirty, kitchen. A bed sat on the other side of the room, the wooden frame scratched with strange symbols and marks. Last but not least, the grimy bathroom sat to the right of the sleeping area, being in the worst condition. 

I turned around with a genuine smile this time, giving Ellie a thumbs up. It was perfect, and it was all mine. 

Ellie clasped her hands together happily. "I knew you'd love it! Now if you ever need anything, my house is just a mile from here. My son may be around, and I'm sure he'd love to show you around," 

I had already made a friend here. Maybe things would turn out okay after all.

                                                                      *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

After Ellie had left, I worked on making myself at home, unpacking all of my items and tidying up the cabin as much as I could. It was getting dark... and very, very cold. I shivered, grabbing my jacket and walking outside. My breath was visible in the disappearing light, and as I searched for kindling and any possible firewood, my nerves began to get the best of me. 

Strange noises could be heard all throughout the woods as I looked for any sort of firewood shed, many of them being unidentifiable. My heart was pounding as twilight turned into night and the shadows grew longer and darker. Just breathe, you're okay, Erin. I tried soothing myself desperately. 

Finally, I came upon a small shed that had a slightly unhinged wooden door. It opened with much resistance as well as noise, but thankfully it had some unused firewood from the previous owner. Thank GOD, I thought in relief as I gathered the timber. 

It was now almost pitch black now as I made my way back home, and I mentally cursed myself for not looking for any sort of lantern to bring. I was terrified to say the least, which was unlike me in a dark forest. I was almost positive I cold hear the sound of breathing behind me, but every time I turned around, there was nothing there. 

Pull yourself together Erin, you're almost there...

I actually had no idea where I was going... at all.