After my near-death experience with my first venture into the forests of Willow Village, I avoided going back into them for the next few months. Became lost in “the work.” If that’s what you want to call it.

Wake up, eat, sleep, read those damn journals until nightfall, sometimes well into the morning… then repeat. It was a cycle that never seemed to end. At this point, I had really accepted that this could be my eternity. Forever seemed like a long time to be alone in just a town.

Nature was never my strong suit, but be that as it may, I still found myself pondering the curiosities of my first trip out into the woods. It had been an experience that I remember only hazily…I almost feel as if there was something out there that was calling out to me.

Finally, after being pent inside up for so long, I decided I would try my hand at venturing back out into the nature that had almost killed me once. There would have to be a plan this time though.

I can’t go in as blind as I had the first time. Granted I had found myself back in Willow Village after five minutes of walking back the way that I had left…but what if I had just been lucky? Can’t afford to take that chance again.

The first thing I needed was a backpack. For supplies, of course. After rummaging through some old closets I managed to find an old khaki-colored pack that was still usable. It was empty and there was no way of knowing what its original purpose had been.

I would need some essentials. I started with the kitchen. I scrounged together some bread and crackers. There were more than a few knives in the kitchen, so I slid one into the pack. Hopefully, I wouldn’t need it, but that seemed unlikely. Chances seemed pretty high that there were things in those woods that a person did not want to run into unarmed.

There was also a flashlight in one of the closets in my room, it was a strange device that seemed to alternate between a soft white and purple glow. There was also a Swiss army knife that was tucked away in one of the drawers. Laid out on the bed it all seemed even nonsensical.

I stared at my gear and smirked at the absurdness of it all. Whatever was in there lurking.. was going to have the easiest meal of its life. I may as well have put a sign directly on my head letting everything know how easy of a target I was.

It will be fine, just a short trip. In and out, back before you know it. I was in terrible shape given my last few months of existence. The pack already dug into my shoulders as I made my way slowly to my destination. From the library to the woods was only a few short blocks.

The edge of the woods seemed foreboding as I set my pack down on the ground and stared into them. It was as if they were calling me inside, yet warning me against entering, both at the same time. I could feel my heartbeat speeding up just staring into them.

Even during the day, the woods held a frightening energy that made me want to curl into a ball and hide. That wasn’t an option though, I was losing my mind here. If I couldn’t find a way out, then I may as well make the best of the situation and do some controlled exploration.

I took a deep breath and walked into the woods line. My feet carried me forward swiftly, displaying courage that I didn’t feel. I breathed carefully and did my best to steady my heartbeat, an organ that felt as if it was about to explode at any second now. I can do this.

In and out, then back before I know it. Shouldn’t be too hard at all.