SURVIVOR of the WOODS

(9)

I sat by the table, eating alone. I couldn't even enjoy the appetising food in front of me. I guess I messed up real bad. I peeled a banana and ate in slow motion. I couldn't stop thinking about everything that happened during my stay here in these 3 days.

Guilt drowned my entire body as I reminisced about how thoughtful, generous, caring and protective they were of me. I just let myself get away with the thought that they kidnapped me and caged me here without letting me find out the truth. But, now, a part of me wants to get out of here while another part craves for truth and explanation. I took them for imbeciles but if they wanted me dead, they would've killed me by now.

The main door opened and Freya entered. She walked through the kitchen and when we locked eyes, she ignored me and climbed the stairs.

I guess I'll be getting silent treatment from her the whole day if I don't do anything.

....

Days passed and it's almost a whole week since I haven't talked to Freya. She continued with her silence and whenever we would cross paths in hallways or the gym, she would quietly leave the place, avoiding and ignoring me completely. I couldn't even say anything to her probably because of my ego but it was mostly about the fact that I didn't know how to express myself in front of her. The last time I did, she was pissed off. But, the reason why I'm still not completely fed up is Damien. He's been taking me to the market and buying me expensive stuffs just to make me feel better.

"What are you looking at?" Damien asked, catching me staring at the sea of trees from the balcony. It was around 6 p.m and it was pretty breezy.

"The trees, sky and moon are beautiful at this hour." I replied.

My hair was tied up into a messy bun and I was wearing a black shirt with matching black sweatpants.

"You'll catch a cold. We are almost entering winter."

"That's my favourite time of the season."

He was silent for a moment, then he said, "For how long are you planning to stay like this?"

"I don't know."

"Last week, during those 3 days when you were here, you were more...what's the word?...Lively! And it was when you were talking to Freya. Now, that you two are not having any conversation, it feels like this place has never heard the word civilisation. It's just like a cemetry here."

"I'm sorry Damien, I know I need to fix this but, I just don't feel ready yet. Can I ask you a personal question?"

"Yeah. But not too personal now." He joked.

"Do you enjoy staying here?"

"Of course! I would never choose a place where I don't feel happy. Even if I'm obliged to stay in a whole new or different place, sure I'll be moody and frustrated but, there is always a reason for everything. I'll try to see the bright side of the unknown place. Who knows, it might even be a heavenly experience."

"Are you referring to my situation or?"

"Nah...I mean partly yeah but try taking it positively. Be optimistic Dorothea! Sometimes, it feels like life gives up on you but we should also play our part by facing the situation appropriately."

"Okay. Let me rephrase my sentence, do you want to take a break and go for a vacation or something?"

"That's why we often shift from islands to cities or coastal region or even countryside."

"Interesting."

"For winter, I guess we'll have to move to a town."

"And when is it gonna be?"