Ready to Fly

It Seemed Like a Good Idea...

It had been weeks since Chase last had the visions of the bird in the strange land. He had continued to carry out his life, as unhappy as it was. His parents were fighting every night, over the smallest things. He felt himself becoming more and more depressed. He couldn't concentrate on much, his grades were slipping, and he felt himself slowly becoming less interested in everyday activities.

One day, his parents decided to surprise the kids with a trip away from home! Chase felt happier than he had in weeks. He couldn't wait for a vacation! His parents decided that they would drive west, to Oregon and rent a house on the water for a few days.

Abby and Chase were both extremely excited for some fun. They got packed for the trip, and then the family set off for a campsite in Oregon right on the water. On the drive, their mom kept telling them how it would be a nice break, and they would have lots of fun.

They got to the campsite and found their cabin. It was small, but very nice. It had two bedrooms, a small kitchen, a bathroom, and a living room. Once they got settled in Chase's mom suggested they go on a hike. Everyone agreed that this would be great! They grabbed some water bottles and started walking on a trail called "Pine Run." It was marked yellow, for hikers with some experience.

"Ahh, isn't this nice?" Their mom said after they passed some pretty flowers.

"Yes, it's very enjoyable I love hiking," their father answered.

"That sounds very unlike you John, are you being sarcastic?" Their mom asked.

"No, can't a man just enjoy a walk with his family?" He replied.

"I suppose..." Their mother sounded unsure.

"Let's just keep walking," Abby suggested.

They continued their hike and came upon a fork in the road.

"What do you say? Left or right?" Asked their father.

"Left!" Everyone shouted.

The trail began to narrow, and the family had to walk in a line. After a while, they reached a clearing.

"Well, look what you've done now John!" Their mother exclaimed. "You've gotten us lost in the middle of nowhere!"

"No, I didn't! I can see the trail up ahead!" Their dad responded.

They kept walking, and no trail was found. The trees became closer together, and loomed over the family.

"John! You're such an idiot! All I wanted was a nice family hike, and you have to get us lost out here in the middle of the woods! Why do I always trust you? You're never right! You're such an ignorant man and I never should have married you!" Their mother was shouting by this point.

"Me? Me!!! You were the one who wanted to hike, you were the one who said 'left'! How is this my fault? And how does our marriage have anything to do with a slight detour of a trail?"

"A SLIGHT DETOUR? REALLY JOHN! THIS. IS. THE. MIDDLE. OF NOWHERE!!! Their mother was livid now.

Chase just wanted to get away from his family's yelling. He motioned to Abby for them to turn back, and they started walking the direction they came from while their parents continued screaming and blaming each other.