Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

T he sun is high in the sky. It's midafternoon, and I am miserable. It's so hot out here, beads of sweat drip from my ass down into my fancy hiking socks. My moisture-wicking shorts look like I've wet myself. If anyone were around, I'd be embarrassed, but right now, I'm a little worried. I have no idea where I am. I wish someone were here to help me.I've walked in circles for hours, and every tree looks the same. I was supposed to turn left at the wooden "squirrel trail" sign, but I think I passed it a few times, and that was hours ago. I haven't seen any signs now for a while, let alone a trail. I grow more concerned. I am hopelessly lost, alone, hungry, and thirsty. I think I am losing my mind.

I keep hearing noises behind me like someone, or something, is following me, but every time I turn around, there's nothing, not even a bird. That's strange—I haven't heard any birds for a while. When I started this hike, the sound of bird songs was almost deafening, and now there's silence. This part of the woods feels different somehow.

I look around warily. Once the sun goes down, anything can come out of these woods and eat me.

Stop catastrophizing, Alex!

Right, I need to remember I have a tendency to do that sometimes. But what was I thinking, going by myself? I should have thrown that brochure away and stayed home to safely read my Xavier books in the comfort of my living room.Maybe I could have used my money to get here and buy a new rug under my couch.

My stomach growls loudly. I'm so thirsty.

"God, it's hot out here!" I call out. Somehow, the sound of my own voice restores a little of my nerves. But only a little.

My t-shirt is soaked through. But even worse, I don't think I am even sweating anymore. And my throat hurts because of the need for moisture. I thought I packed enough water and power bars, but somehow, I finished the last bottle probably two hours ago. And the power bars have turned up missing. Knowing me, I left them in my car down the mountain. The car I have no hope of finding now. Maybe the rangers will see it in the morning and come looking for me. By then, I'll be dead. I shake the thought of my lifeless body being eaten by wolves out of my mind.

Coming here on my own was a mistake. This was supposed to be a fun girls' trip where we could all bond and become close friends again. Instead, this may be the last trip I ever take because a bear will maul me or whatever is currently hunting me. I should have brought a knife, a gun, something.

Breathe, Alex. Relax…

I look at my cell phone; my battery is 22 percent, and I have no signal.

Great.

If I can get a little higher up, maybe I will get a signal then? Maybe enough to send a message. Looking around, I contemplate climbing a tree, then immediately dismiss the thought. My legs are not meant for climbing trees, but all the pines around here have branches that start at almost six feet. Besides, I am starting to feel a little dizzy.

"What do I have to do to get a signal around here!" I yell to the sky.

I knew I should have brought more water. Then, I spot a large rock with a flat top jutting from the ground.I make my way over, inspecting the foot and handholds to get up there.

I check for a signal one more time.

"Shit!"

Nothing.

The rock looks safe enough, though. Dropping my heavy backpack, I scramble ungracefully upward; there is a decent place to stand. But first, I sit and rest for a moment. The view is breathtaking, and I forget my peril.And the dizziness fades a little. But still, I can't sit here forever. And the sun is beating down. This is not good.

The campsite I booked must be close, I know it. I squint my eyes, looking for anything resembling signs of humanity. But there is nothing. In fact, this whole area just feels weird.

In the distance, I think I see rooftops.

They look, what? Mossy?

But I am beginning to doubt what I see because I feel increasingly delirious. If only I could get some signal. And water. I stand up, trying to stay on my tiptoes on the edge of the rock. If I were a little bit taller, maybe… I hear a slight crunching sound behind me.

I freeze; my worst fear is coming to fruition. Something is going to eat me, or worse. Whatever it is, I must face it. Turning, I see nothing behind me. The breeze moves my hair around my face. I'm in bad shape because I am starting to hallucinate. The forest is empty except for me and my messed-up brain.

And God, I turned too fast. A wave of dizziness hits me again. And I am starting to feel so tired.

Maybe I should sit again.

Then I see movement. Nope, it's not real, just another trick of the light and my need for water. But then it comes closer, and I can't comprehend what I see.

Oh, my god, I'm hallucinating.

The thing stalking me holds a sizeable wooden ax in its meaty hand. It is seven feet tall and green, wearing brown pants. What the fuck. Suddenly, an image from the old TV show The Incredible Hulk flashes through my mind. But this thing is even bigger.

I stare at it as my tired eyes sweep from its startling blue ones and strange but attractive face to its magnificently muscular cut chest and arms that look like a bodybuilder's dream. Then down further to its—oh, my god! What the hell does it have in its pants?

Now I know I am near death, because I am sure I am looking at some kind of monster. Or maybe I'm in a cartoon?

Is that you, Shrek?

These things do not exist. But look at that bod! And is that a thermos in his pocket, or is he just happy to see me? I wonder what it would feel like to ride something so significant. I am close to passing out now. I must be. I have lost it. My body shivers inexplicably as I look at this mirage. It's coming at me. I open my mouth to scream as the sexy troll approaches.

But then I slip. Whether it's my footing or my strength finally giving out, I can't say. My hands are flailing for a branch or something to stop myself, but it's no use, and suddenly, I go down. Then, I feel my head hit something hard, and everything turns black.