Westbane

Episode 1. 3 Warm Welcome

Elfrida

I was running, my boots hitting the wet ground littered with twigs and dead leaves in the woods, was beginning to dig at the sole of my feet. Gunshots echoed through the air like it was meant for the night; the sound of explosions setting off in the distance reached my ears and increased the pace at which I ran.

My heart was pounding. Goosebumps littered my skin, and tears spilled from my eyes like hungry rain aching to meet the earth.

They were all dead. All of them. My team, my family. Everyone I care about is gone.

I ran blindly further into the woods; the sounds of grunts and yells remained around me.

My head ached, and my body grew tired from all the running; I needed to stop, to take a break, but I couldn't stop, I couldn't stop.

Something hit me, sending my feet off the ground, colliding back with the ground with a force that sent my heart aching. It came with a sharp pain in my lower back. I groaned, the racing in my heart causing a shock to run through my whole body.

The pain was intense, and I reached to touch where it was coming from. I winced when my hand touched something wet, bringing my fingers to my view; blood stains were around it.

The sight of the blood made my head feel light. The sound of a sharp bullet hitting a tree just a few meters from where I lay had my heart flying right out of my chest.

That was when I heard it. A cry, one of agony and despair. One of hate and pure terror. It yelled out my name.

"Elfrida!!!"

I jumped right up, my breathing coming up short as I felt sweat stain on my face and neck.

I frantically looked around, trying to take in my surroundings.

My body still shook from my nightmare. I thought I'd be used to it already, seeing as it was always there; that scene kept repeatedly playing in my dreams. The pills I took for them did nothing. The therapy sessions did nothing. Every night, I'd relive that terrible night; I'd feel the pain again, the fear, the terror. Over and over again.

My bedside alarm went off suddenly, startling a small yelp from me as I reached to silence it, my gaze moving to the large window. It was morning, yet there was no sun to indicate it. The weather was calm. The Bane woods looked so still and foggy. My eyes moved to the time displayed on the face of the small alarm clock. 6:37 AM.

I sighed, taking a deep breath to calm myself, as I let it out shortly after, getting up from the bed.

Getting to the bathroom lazily, I wiped the fog off the mirror, my light reflection staring back at me. I lifted my shirt, my gaze moving to the spot on my lower back. The claw scar is ever-present. I sighed, shaking off the thought.

Start the day, smart Elfrida; you've got a new life ahead. I said to myself inwardly before dropping my shirt and picking up my toothbrush.

* * *

The sheriff's station was precisely how I pictured it. Not too small, not too big. Cops here and there, working away with their brown pants and carton-colored shirts, the smell of freshly made donuts and hot, eye-opening coffee in the air.

All this, mixed with the lovely vibe the whole town carried, was enough to brighten up my mood for the day.

Everyone had been so lovely, and I had gotten to know a few of the officers and the names of their kids.

I loved talking to them; the conversations promised a standard setting, a new beginning.

The smile on my face didn't waver as I imagined myself in that kind of life. I'd have a loving husband, a kid, and a swollen stomach. I'd walk around the house barefoot and watch my children and their dad play in the garden just outside the home.