Lure To The Woods

I

Looking up at the flaking ceiling directly above my bed, nothing in particular ran through my head. Instead, my head was simply filled with dull, static noise. My greatest, and only, concern in this moment was the flaking paint. My eyes scanned across each individual paint flake and evaluated how close they were from falling down from their clinging spot on the ceiling. The verdict: they were no closer to falling now than they were on any given day. They were always like this.

One may argue that I should probably be concerned with greater things than paint chips, especially considering I had just broken up with my girlfriend, but I would argue that this was such a regular occurrence that it didn't really matter any more than the paint chips. Relationships never last; especially not ones you form in school. That's what they always say, isn't it? I suppose that's why 'high school sweethearts' is such a novelty.

Rolling over and onto my side, I looked over at the open window. The cool breeze flowed through the room and graced my skin with a refreshing touch of the outside. I liked to keep my window open like that, especially when I slept. It was comforting to sleep in the chilly night air. I use the term 'sleep' loosely because I don't do much of anything resembling sleeping these days; the angry, red clock-numbers on my bedside table say it's almost three in the morning, attesting to that fact.

Another strong, cool breeze swept through the room and I kicked off the covers, heading to the window to admire the view. Looking out, the world seemed still. There was no hustle and bustle of neighbours or cars; the only sound I could hear came from the natural world. I saw a shadow in the tree line at the end of the garden, moving quickly towards the woods. I smiled, knowing that it was probably my neighbour's cat again. He's a bit timid, not really fond of people, but he likes to say hello sometimes. Admittedly, he reminded me a little of myself.

When it was nice out like this, and I couldn't sleep, I quite often would go for a little stroll through the town. Usually, the night ambience would calm me down and tire me out a bit so I could nod off. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. It was worth a try tonight, either way.

My mother had work in the morning, so I couldn't use the front door unless I wanted to be hung, drawn and quartered. Never one to be deterred, I grabbed my jacket and slipped my shoes on. I liked to use my bedroom window as an exit quite a lot of the time, preferring to not answer any questions about where I was going and when I would be back.

As I stepped up onto the windowsill, knocking over a can of whatever and leaving a small puddle in the process, I looked all around once again. Admiring the view, I appreciated just how calm everything was once again; the shadows of small furry animals moving through the night being the only sign that the earth wasn't frozen still.

The streets were empty, lined with parked cars and lit street lamps but free of people. I could see woods for as far as the eye could see, beginning at the end of the garden and expanding deep into the horizon, only the tops of the trees peaking out the further the eye travelled. It was quite relaxing out there and I often felt drawn to a walk around the forest trails. However, I'm not quite dumb enough to stalk the woods at night, alone, so I usually settle for the park instead.

I shimmied across the window ledge, beginning my usual routine of sneaking out, and balanced along the roofs gutter before sliding down the drain pipe at the edge of the garage. Admittedly, I had done this a million times, so I was practically an expert at it by now.

Feet finally on solid ground, I set off walking down the dimly-lit, suburban streets. I plugged in my earphones and nodded my head along to my music as I grooved down street after street of houses and parked cars, just enjoying the night. Before long, I found myself at the edge of the forest, stood still at the edge of the tree line. Slightly breathless at the sight, I had naturally stilled as I looked in awe at the dark outline of what looked like a large deer hidden in the shade of the trees, seemingly looking right at me.