The beast within

Chapter 1

Being an author is hard work. I mean currently im working so hard by sitting in my underwear looking at cats getting stuck in tubes wondering to myself, where did I go wrong? I need to go look for more hiking trails to be inspired by for my next book but maybe later. A Ping tells me I received an email.

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Subject: OML!!!!

Recipient: Emole.google.com

Dear Stacy,

While I was searching through Google I stumbled upon a new hiking trail pretty close to the city, it's only an hour and a half away so it's convenient and practical. I sent the address in a previous email so put on some pants and get to it!! Your deadline is so close I'm scared if you blink you might miss it.

The best of luck, your favorite editor Edna

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I always find it weird that she always knows what im thinking and whether I'm wearing pants or not. I heave a sigh, seems like my "break" is over. A small yelp tells me someone else finished their break as well. Jet, my weird combo of a corgi and a shiatsu waddles in with his bowl. "Is my big boy hungry again?" I ask earning me another yelp. I giggle, "OK OK I'll feed your greedy butt". He already ate an hour ago but he always seems to want more, I guess that's why he's so fat. I shake my head and pick up his bowl.

After his bowl is full and he's happy I make my way to my bathroom to take a well-needed shower. I look at myself in the mirror, my chestnut brown; almost red hair is messy and tangled, my freckles on my lightly tanned skin prickles the top of my nose and covers my cheeks, my bright green eyes almost look unnatural. I look like the Wendy's girl if she quit her job.

After my shower I put on my usual hiking gear, a white t-shirt, some Nike shorts and hiking boots, my hair is in a loose ponytail with a visor. I pack my tablet and camera and other things so I won't pass out in the middle of nowhere.

I open my door to my dinky apartment and give it one good sweep before I leave, careful not to alert Jet of my leaving. I decide to stop by my favorite cafe before making my way to the trail. The cafe is called the "Good Read", It's my favorite because of the small book store in the back of the cafe. The barista usually tells me how many of my books were sold every time I go, "A little good news to start a good day." she always says and it warms my heart. I make my way inside and the barista greets me with her usual wide smile. "Stacy, good to see you! The usual?"

"yes please."

As I wait I make my way to the books and look for one of mine. "Stace?" The sound of the fake name I use for my books has me turning my head. "Yes?"

"OMG! It really is you! Oh my god this can't be real, I-I can't believe it, Stace Roberts, The Stace Roberts is right in front of me! Can I have an autograph?" A girl Probably in her teens jumps up and down in front of me. I'm scared she might pass-out if she keeps going so I speak. "It's nice to meet you too, and yes you can have an autograph." I pull out a pen from my bag just as she shoves one of my books in my face.

"'The wonder of the small bird'? Why this one?" Though it's one of mine it's the first book I wrote and it brings very cringy memories back to life. "This book helps me cope with a lot of my problems, I like to think of the small bird as myself in a way. you know?" Her hyper-activeness calms down and a sad smile spreads across her face. I smile. This is what being an author is about, helping people feel better and giving something to relate to. Not the money.

"I'm glad one of my books helped you..." I let my words trail off hoping she could fill the blank for me. " Oh! I'm Clara. Clara Jones." I sign her book and take a picture with her before we part ways just as my drink is ready. "Stacy, good news! You sold a total of 21 books in the last 4 weeks!" Jackie, the barista says putting my mood up sky high. I thank her and go to my car.

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Edna was right, the trail was short drive that help me think of new book ideas. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a small opening and smash the brakes. My thankfully empty coffee cup is thrown against the windshield and I thanked the heavens that I was the only car on the road. Turning towards the opening my hunch is- in fact correct, a single car is parked in the small opening and next to it is I believe a sign.

I take a deep breath and turn to park my car. Once I'm out and I have all my things I make my way towards the sign and read what's written,"'Blossom's trail?' Sounds like a weird restaurant some crazy lady would own." I stare down the trail, and like most of them, it seems to repeat for miles. I sigh. "Alright Blossom's trial, lead me to a next best seller!" and with that, I head straight forward toward the unknown (for me at least).

Not even ten minutes into the hike I'm stopped by a fork in the road, which is separated by a small pond. I smile and whip out my dinky little camera, that's more expensive than it looks, and snap some photos. "Ooh, you could be so many things! Like a portal to an underwater temple, or a gate another world, or even an entrance of some sort of endless void!" I squeal like the 28-year old I am and head right.

Around thirty minutes past and the more steps I take the more the scenery changes. Like instead of a red-orange hue it's more of a pinkish color now, and I could hear the faint sound of running water the farther I go. I snap a few pictures here and there as the sound gets louder, and so does my heart. I can make out an opening of sorts up ahead and pick up my pace. The water is loud enough to actually be identified as water and I jog towards its source determined to see it. But instead I get the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

Cherry blossoms surround a pond that's bigger than the first filled with Koi fish of every color. The pink hue is more vibrant now and it adds a romantic vibe of sorts to the area that just soothes your heart. My hands react faster than I do and starts to take pictures from every angle. "My god, this is breathtaking! Are Cherry blossoms even in season? Oh, whatever I don't care this is such good material!" I walk backwards with my face in the camera and accidentally hit something. Something soft. I turn slowly and come face to face with a bear.

Shit.

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Hello! This is my first attempt at an actual story and would really like some feedback and maybe some tips if you would be so kind as to provide some. If you like it ( Or even read this) spread the word and help me at least end up on someones recommended.

What do you think of Stacy? Foxy right?

Till next time.