Beyond and Wild

Chapter 3

Minutes ticked by, one after the other, as I sat there in the office room. The door shut behind them, leaving me alone with my thoughts. They kept repeating that they wouldn't hurt me and that I needed to be there, but I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. I reached for my phone, hoping for a lifeline to the outside world, only to find that no one had tried to reach me.

I felt lost, like a person with no destination. I was used to moving around and exploring new places, but this was different. I was traveling aimlessly, without any sense of purpose or direction. It wasn't that I was afraid of strangers - I met new people every day - but the fact that they had abducted me without explanation didn't sit well with me.

Despite my anxiety, I couldn't help but take in my surroundings. The house was enormous, a sprawling mansion that seemed to go on forever. It was clear that the people who brought me here were wealthy and powerful. 

Suddenly, Cole appeared in the doorway. He said he would be giving me a better room and asked me to stay for a few days until he could tell me why he had brought me here.  

"Well let's see," I couldn't help but murmur as I thought of agreeing to it. I was getting free food and a roof for some days. And might I just stay and plan my other destinations. 

I made my way to the room that had been assigned to me, backpack in tow. As I stepped inside, I noticed the adjoined bathroom, which was small but functional. Cole had promised me a bigger and better room, and I couldn't help but wonder what kind of accommodations he had in store for me.

I set my backpack down and began to unpack my belongings. I fished out a loose shirt and a pair of pants, intending to change into something more comfortable. As I was rummaging through my things, my eyes landed on a photo frame that I had tucked away in my bag.

I picked up the frame, cradling it in my hands. My fingers grazed the edges of the photograph, and suddenly a flood of memories came rushing back. It was as if I had been transported to another time and place, reliving a moment that had been long forgotten. I stood there for a moment, lost in my thoughts, before finally shaking myself out of it and placing the photo frame down on the dresser.

I was transported back to a time long ago, a memory from my childhood flooding back into my mind. I held the photo frame in my hands, running my fingers over the smooth surface. The picture inside was of my family, taken years ago when we were all still together.

In the photo, my elder brother Ryan and I were arguing over who got to sit with our mother. I remembered the feeling of frustration and disappointment when my father had intervened and allowed Ryan to have his way. But then, as I looked closer, I noticed the way my mother had opened her arms to me, inviting me to sit on her lap. I could practically feel the warmth of her embrace, the love and acceptance that had always been present in our family.

I smiled at the memory, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over me. It was a reminder of a simpler times. As I set the photo frame back down on the dresser, I knew that no matter what happened in the days to come, that memory would always be with me, a beacon of hope and comfort in uncertain times.

"Get a hold on yourself Adie" I whispered to myself.

Every time I set out on a journey, I made it a point to buy new clothes. There was something about wearing fresh, unblemished attire that made me feel like a brand new person. And so, as soon as I arrived at my destination, I made a beeline for the nearest store and picked out a few outfits that spoke to me.

After a long day of travelling, nothing felt quite as luxurious as a hot shower. I let the water cascade down my skin, washing away the grime of the road, and lathered up with my favorite Lavender body wash. As I emerged from the steamy bathroom, I felt refreshed and invigorated.