Destiny

CHAPTER 7

The morning sun peeped through the window, spreading its warmth in the atmosphere, getting up I stretch my arms feeling well rested. Gazing around I notice Evan's absence. After a quick shower and a bite I head outside, to find Evan sitting on the swing with a coffee mug in hand, contemplating, occupied with his own thoughts.

Deciding to take a walk I head towards the forest.

"Where do you think you are going?" Evan Inquires from behind me.

"For a walk" I tell him nonchalantly.

A walk would surely do me some good. Holed up inside the cabin from past two days, bestowed me with a longing to feel fresh air around me. Sauntering past Evan I head towards the green of the forest, the smell of fresh leaves tinkling my senses.

Evan trails, silently beside me.

We walk together in peace, taking a note of the surroundings. The forest was dense, with tall trees whose leaves formed a canopy above us, preventing the light of the sun to enter, hence the ambiance of the place felt cool. I could feel small insects crawling around us as we continued walking ahead, crunching the dry leaves beneath us with each step.

After walking for an hour, the trail opens into a small meadow, in the midst stood a lake surrounded by rocks on each side, a small waterfall tumbling in the middle of the lake. The whole area was covered in various species of flora, some even unknown to mankind. The fragrance so profound, it made the whole area divine. No sound could be heard except for the trickling of the water, the place was too calm and serene.

I stood there mesmerized with the beauty of this place. It was beautiful, picturesque, exquisite, awe-inspiring. No words seemed competent enough to describe the place.

"Amazing isn't it?" Evan questions.

"Ya.. Mesmerizing"

Sitting down on the grass, I ran my hands through the soft petals. The bright light from the sun falling on the water surface making it shine brightly, as if thousand diamonds were scattered on it's surface.

"Let go for a swim." Evan proposes in a playful tone.

"I don't know how to swim." I say in a timid voice, blush covering my cheeks. "You go ahead, I will stay here.

"Come on. Don't get inside the water, just sit on the edge, feel it around you" He says, giving an encouraging pat on my back.

I nod. Walking ahead I sit with my legs dangling in the lake, the cool water feeling pleasant against my skin.

I sigh inwardly, lying down on my back, my feet dangling in the water. This feels so good!

--

The splattering of water made me rouse from my slumber. I look up to find Evan standing beside me, the wet shirt clinging to his chest, hair spread in a haphazard manner, a mischievous smile grazing his beautiful face, the water droplet from his hair sliding down onto my face. I blink twice, sitting up now aware of my surroundings.

"For how long was I asleep?" I ask him, my voice groggy.

"For almost two hours. We should get back now, it's going to be dark soon".

"Why didn't you wake me up?"

"You looked peaceful in your sleep, I didn't want to disturb you".

I nod. Giving him a small smile, feeling touched by his gesture. The sun was setting, casting its orange glow throughout the sky. The night was approaching sooner than expected. I hurriedly got up, and start following Evan.

Leaving the meadow was like leaving our safe haven. The forest was dark, with no hint of light, the canopy above us blocking any sunlight that was still present in the atmosphere.

In the dark, the forest seemed uncanny, cold air biting through my exposed skin. I pull my thin jacket closer, trying to obtain some kind of warmth for my frozen fingertips. Evan, observing my struggle, pulls me to his side providing me with much needed warmth. I thank him.

We walk in silence, when I notice a log which we had just passed a few moments ago.

"Evan"

"Hmm"

"Didn't we pass that log a few moments ago?" I ask him, pointing towards the log.

"Ya. I didn't want to freak you out, but we have been going in circles here. This forest seems like a freaking labyrinth." He says, frustrations oozing through his voice.

"Let's continue walking. We should take a different path this time". I say, rubbing soothing circles on his back.

We have been walking for an hour, the forest was now engulfed in darkness, It was difficult to see where we were going. We have been walking blindly, tripping on logs and roots of the trees.

"We are going nowhere." I sigh, feeling exhausted.

"Did you hear that?" Evan whispers. Rustling of leaves could be heard from our right.

A loud growl vibrates throughout the forest, with an earsplitting sound. An involuntary scream escapes from my mouth as I watch a pair of red eyes peeking through the bushes.

What the hell is that!

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