On Our Side of the Forest (Short Story Compilation)

The Cardinal

Torbin's Tale

I wanted to write this to take the time to explain the series of events that has now completely reclaimed my life. Sitting here now, everything seems so...unreal. To start, and I must be frank, the story is not one with much happiness. These are grave and grisly details I must share with you. The hour now is late, the darkness has claimed the ideas in my mind. I am whispered to in the shadows. Something keeps calling my name.

But I digress. I must get to inform you. Ten nights ago my dear love left this world. She was young. Her beauty and grace never to be found in the earthly realm again. I had held her hand while she left us. When I came home from the hospital, disturbing things began to take place. I would see things, shadows would walk around. The lights would be left on in rooms I never entered. I would hear her call my name. I figured it was all in my head. My brain was making of the loneliness something grim. I have lived with this for the past few weeks.

It was recently that things got bizarre. A bird had made its way inside my home. It was a normal cardinal, its fiery feathers had been burnt in my eyes. It would sit upon my fireplace and seem to bore its eyes into me. Every time I would deal with something suspicious the bird would be right there in the room with me. I came to loathe its presence. My love had loved these birds. It was a constant reminder she was gone.

I have no true account as to why I have taken the time to write this out. I figured people could better understand what had happened to me. I am weak, I cannot deal with the anguish of the happenings anymore. Please relieve me of this pain, this house is not normal anymore.

Sincerely to whom ever may read this,

Torbin