The Evergreen Enigma

Part One: Introducing Evergreen

                                                                     Part One: Introducing "Evergreen"

     In the year 1967, an extremely popular book, titled "Evergreen," was sold abundantly; however, the most prevalent version was the abridged one, cutting out several details critical to the book's original plot. The story was written beautifully, extremely detailed, about hundreds of evergreen trees that wrapped around a small island, holding wildlife so far undiscovered and people of an unknown tribe. The entire book was a mystery, but one that was okay with not being solved. Publishers were enthused by the book, and loved the plot, along with the exquisite detail; however, the ending, filled with gruesome war between those interested in overtaking the island and the current inhabitants, wasn't favored. After the war, the native tribe overthrew those trying to take them from their homes, killing them all; the ending was deemed too violent and cut from the story altogether. The author, Carter Renaldo, fought for his book to stay complete as it was sold throughout the country, and argued that the war showed how life truly was; not everything ended happily and tied up into a nice, little bow. Despite his best efforts, he was overruled, and his book was cut in half, only telling about the beauty of the island and not the tragedies that the people who lived there faced.

     After several months of the book captivating the minds of many readers, a massive conspiracy was brought into the light- one that accused Carter Renaldo of unspeakable acts that supposedly earned him thousands of dollars. According to the theories, his plots weren't as simple as invalid checks or inadequate tax payments; in fact, he was said to be running a black market out of an undiscovered island, illegally selling materials and goods only indigenous to that area. While the accusations continued to roll in against the writer and his mysterious private island, no doubt derived from his book, no proof came about. However, he was questioned repeatedly, government officials and police officers of all kinds hoping to uncover a massive crime that would skyrocket their career through the roof; however, when he was interrogated, the only answer he seemed to find was mumbling, almost inaudibly, "The truth is in my words." With such an unusual answer, he and the rumors spoken of him were deemed insane. However, it was unavoidable for such an incredible rumor to be spread around; soon, his book was boycotted by those suspicious of his behavior, and Carter Renaldo, along with "Evergreen," fell off the grid.

     However, in early 2007, "Evergreen" made a reappearance with a teenager, living in Washington State, where Renaldo spent his life. Dexter Sampson, 17, went out with his camera on a cool, autumn night to find something to captivate his mind. Dexter was an adventurer, and he mostly stuck to himself, not having many friends; however, he was okay with that. The only company the boy required was that of his camera and the pictures that he took. While he was out strolling, skidding his feet down crunchy, brown leaf covered paths, he came across an abandoned home. It was a relatively small building- one with busted out windows, tattered curtains, chipping paint, and rotting wood. It was evident that the house was old; to Dexter, old things were the best things to photograph and explore; they had more character, and seemed to hold extreme wisdom. He was unable to resist, and decided he would take on the house as his next adventure.