The Blackwood Curse

The Journey

I watch the surroundings rush past the bus window in a blur. It's really cold outside and draughty inside. I pull my coat tighter around me. I can't wait to get to the lodge so I can warm up by a hot fire. I get another memory from last year.

I was trying to start a fire. I didn't even notice Josh kneel down behind me until his arms snaked around my waist.
"You cold?" He whispered. I nodded, leaning back into his chest with a contented sigh. He tightened his grip, wrapping his arms around me securely and pressed his lips against my cheek.

I wistfully remember how it felt to have him hold me. The way that he could make me feel protected; not just from the outside world, but from my own demons. I shake my head, trying to get him out of my head. He's probably moved on by now. It would be ridiculous to expect him to wait around for me. Still, the thought of him with another woman sends jealousy boiling through my veins like molten fire, making my temper roar to life.
I clench my jaw and continue to glare out of the window. The bus stops, and I pay no attention to the person who gets on. I watch as the environment transitions from fields to snowy woodland as the bus approaches the foot of the mountain. When I see it out of the window, my heart skips a beat. It looks so tall and ominous, casting a dark shadow over the forest below. The bus stops at the path to the cable car station. I hesitantly get out. As soon as I pass through the doors, the icy wind knocks into me like a punch, making me shudder. I have to crane my neck to see the summit of the mountain from here. It makes me feel so tiny and insignificant. I sigh heavily and force myself walk forwards, into the woods. I pass a faded sign that has 'Blackwood Pines' written on it in peeling white paint. As soon as I step on to the path I get that same sense of discomfort that I did a year ago. I feel like someone is watching me, stalking me. I walk a little faster than I normally would, just to get out of the open as fast as possible. I can see the gate just ahead and half-run towards it. I spot a note on it and pick it up.
'The gate's busted. Climb over! -Chris'
Damn it. I walk over to the stone brick wall nearby and search it. It's icy, but I should be able to get over it. I start climbing up. My hands are on the top, but then my boot slips. I yelp as I am left dangling by my arms. I scrabble until I find a foothold and then push my knee onto the top of the wall. I swing my legs around and jump down. I carry on walking along the path until I come to the cable car station. The place is kind of old. I'm surprised that it's still functional after all of these years. I see a cable car at the station, but I'm a few meters away when it starts to move. I make a dash for it. It is up a few feet as I jump for the car, managing to get most of my torso inside. I scoot back just as the doors close, narrowly missing the sole of my boots. I huff in relief. Made it.