Self Apocalypse: The Beginning (15 page)
I couldn’t believe how many oaks were here! I had walked quite a distance and was still walking through them. I could just imagine how many acorns one could gather here. A mix of maples and a few birches also lay in-between, the birch trees adding a pleasant color to the scenery. As squirrels ran about and chattered at me, I gritted my teeth and longed for a BB gun knowing I could silently harvest tonight’s dinner.
I’ll have to add that to my list of things to acquire.
My steps now slowed and my rifle lay at the ready as the woods around me seemed to fall silent. Something didn’t feel right. Very slowly I crouched down to one knee and listened as my eyes searched the trees for anything out of place. A few birds chirped in the distance and the sound of a squirrel hopping along the leaves could be heard. Other than that, silence was all that met my ears. Not daring to stand or move from my position, I continued to look around slowly trying to figure out what my senses were trying to tell me. Instinct was something I never took lightly, and right now instinct was telling me I wasn’t alone here among the oaks.
My ears eventually detected some movement just ahead of where I was kneeling. Raising the rifle I looked through the scope. Scanning the area with my improved vision I could see something moving in what appeared to be some bushes. The undergrowth rustled and I caught a glimpse of something black. It didn’t take long to figure out that it was a black bear that had alerted my senses. I couldn’t see what it was doing, but because it was in some bushes I couldn’t help but wonder if it was a berry patch he was in. I stood and started walking slowly in his direction talking softly as I did. He was a ways off still and I couldn’t really see him without the rifle scope. I kept making noises until he realized I was here. At that point he took off like a rocket and gave me the chance to investigate a possible food source.
Excitement took over as I discovered the bear had been working at eating blackberries. Immediately I slung my rifle and started eating from the vines. The bear had been startled off, but I was sure he would be back again so I wanted to eat as much as I could and get out of here. The berries were so sweet and literally melted in my mouth as I stuffed them in. Of course this unplanned snack was already making me pay as thorns only added to the scars on my hands and arms.
After eating what I thought was a filling amount, I un-slung my rifle and moved on. I had to admit, I was much happier with the berries now in my stomach. Their flavor still remained in my mouth, and reminded me of happier times. One of these days I was going to be able to have a pie again filled with berries. Hopefully sooner than later. It would be a miracle if the place I was heading to had a bakery. I hadn’t had anything other than biscuits in a long time now. I didn’t even have that luxury now.
The sun was now high in the sky and I was going to have to give up search. Getting back to camp before dark was my main concern. I walked a little further than decided to give up for the day. It was possible that whoever was down here had moved on. Taking the compass out of my pocket, I took a quick bearing and headed back in the direction of the mountain. It was going to take me a while to climb so after I covered some ground I would have to pick up my speed. Until then I would continue to move slow and silent.
The woods were getting thicker here with younger growth and saplings closer together. I had to walk a little ways back in the direction I had originally came from in order to get into more desirable woods. As I circled about I caught the smell of smoke. There was a fire nearby! They were still here, and I had to be very close to their fire. I stopped and scanned the area listening for any sound. It was a good sign I guess that I didn’t hear voices. That meant there was probably only one person. That would make things a lot easier, but I couldn’t be sure yet.
Picking up some debris from the ground, I let it fall from my hand as I checked the wind. After determining where the scent of smoke must be coming from, I slowly started to walk in that general direction. I was moving extremely slow now ensuring that I made absolutely no noise at all. I used surrounding trees to conceal my approach as much as possible as I crept through the woods. The birds sang freely hear, and I hoped they would continue as to not alert anyone of my approach. I kept looking all around me as well in case someone was away from the camp and foraging. The last thing I wanted to do was startle someone with a gun in their hand.
My body felt tense now, and I could feel my heart beat increasing in speed with each soft step. A squirrel chattered just ahead and I stopped to looking around again. Smoke could be seen filling the trees just ahead. I couldn’t see well enough from where I was, so I again used the scope on the rifle to help increase my vision. Smoke flowed along the forest in the light breeze before lifting in the air and traveling through the leaves above. There was so much smoke that it looked like someone had smothered the fire. A blue tent could be seen nearly hidden by the surrounding green leaves. The tent lay just beyond the fire, and behind that I could see a clothes line with a few clothes and a blanket hanging from it. It was a temporary camp most likely, but a lived one at that. They must have decided to settle in this valley for a stay before moving on. Where were they though? I didn’t see anyone. The tent was so small I assumed two people at the most, unless there was another tent or shelter close by that I couldn’t see.
After scanning the camp long enough, I determined either someone was in the tent or they were gone. In which case they were probably hunting for food. I stood thinking about my next move. It was now or never. I might as well approach from a safe distance and call into camp. If no one was there I would wait for their return somewhere nearby. Lowering my rifle, but keeping it ready, I began to walk closer to the camp. I lifted my left foot carefully and slowly placed it on the ground. My body shifted as I lifted my right foot, and as I was in mid stride I heard a branch snap behind me. I froze completely as I was with my right foot up. My mind began to tell me this whole deal with needing to find others was the worst idea of my life. My throat felt like it was closing on me and I couldn’t swallow. I heard another footstep that couldn’t be ten feet behind me. My stomach now knotted up and I started to feel sick as my right foot found the ground. It was as though I was waiting death to come and knew it was now. I couldn’t believe I had let someone sneak up behind me. Closing my eyes and holding my rifle tight, I took in a deep breath and started to turn around.
“Don’t move. Don’t turn. As a matter of fact don’t even take another breath.” The voice was timid, but I could tell she meant business.
“I,” I began to say.
“No talking either!” She yelled. “Throw your gun down and slowly take a few steps away from it.”
I wasn’t going to argue with that one. She hadn’t shot me yet, so there was a good chance she wasn’t going to. That is if I could convince her that I wasn’t a maniac. I quickly thumbed the safety to make sure it was on, and then dropped the rifle where I stood. I took five steps forward very slowly before she told me to stop. I didn’t dare move my head, so I scanned what I could of the area in front of me. There must be someone else here. It was the only reason I could think of that would cause her to risk trying to capture me. I was sure if I did anything, I would be receiving a deadly blow from some unseen gun aimed at me. She started to walk closer to me heard her walking closer to me.
“Just keep looking forward and don’t move.” She continued with her directions as she stopped very near to me.
I could hear her picking up my rifle. I closed my eyes again and felt even sicker when I realized she probably didn’t have a gun until just now. It was possible she was alone, and after picking up my rifle she was probably going to use it to make sure she stayed alone!
Alright
, I thought to myself,
I’ve made a few mistakes today.
I could feel my hands becoming cold and clammy. I started to think I was going to pass out before anything else happened.
“Very slowly,” she began to say. “Get down on your knees and place your hands on your head.”
I knelt down and followed her directions by placing my hands on my head. This was it. All this time surviving, and I was about to be executed from behind by a woman using my very own rifle. I wasn’t even a bad guy! I was just looking for someone to talk to! Man was I stupid. I kept my eyes closed as she began to walk around me. I still hadn’t heard the safety click over, so it was possible I might have a slim chance in taking the rifle before she shot me. Yeah, I was getting out of this. There was no way I was going to die today here in this valley. I cleared my mind and listened for the safety.
I thought I heard her cry or gasp for breath. I still didn’t open my eyes though. She was right in front of me now, and I was afraid if she saw my eyes she might shoot. Then I heard a thud, and then what sounded like my rifle falling to the ground. She was definitely crying, or hurt maybe? I slowly started to open my eyes. My hands fell from my head and I too almost choked with tears.
There she was with her hands covering her mouth and tears running down her face. Her face was dirty and her clothing riddled with holes. Her hair was pulled back and tied off in a pony tail. Her frail body shook as she dropped to her knees, tears still endlessly flowing from her eyes. Her eyes were so beautiful. There was just something about those green eyes that made my heart stop.
“Hello Anslee.” I softly spoke as I slowly stood up again.
Anslee rose to her feet and ran to me, gripping her arms around me like her life depended on it. I held her tightly in my arms comforting her, and pulled her head in against my chest.
“It’s going to be ok.” I whispered. “It’s going to be ok.”
About the Author
John French is an avid outdoorsman who lives in New Hampshire with his family. He has been working on his next book which is a horror story. He is also presently researching for a series he hopes to start soon that takes place during the French and Indian Wars.
If you enjoyed this book, please see ‘Stories From A New England Campfire’. This is a book of short supernatural stories by the author.
Table of Contents
Chapter Five Strength from Solitude
Chapter Six Things Are Looking Up?
Chapter Eight Silence is Broken
Chapter Nine Searching for Answers
