I take a deep breath as I open the door, my bags on the ground around me. All of the belongings that I was able to take with me form a small pile surrounding me, though the word pile was generous.
I breathe in the crisp air and smile at the change. It was a nice change from the inside, recycled air, that I had been breathing for the past couple of weeks. I feel lucky to be here and wonder how I had been so lucky to be the one to get this opportunity.
I close my eyes and picture the hospital social worker that had approached me. I had begun to spiral into a panic attack about the cost of my stay. She knew that I wouldn't be able to pay for the cost of my stay and told me about an opportunity.
It was a new program that was beginning, and she thought it would be perfect for me. An opportunity to get myself in order before returning to my… previous life. My challenging life, the difficult life, the things I didn’t want to think about or… possibly even go back to.
What was this opportunity? It was to go to the mountains in Alaska, I think the place was called Coldfoot? It was outside of the town though, away from other people. You must drive thirty minutes to get to the nearest house. Or that's what it felt like?
I was very tired from all the travel. I stand outside the door and reach into my pocket for the key that I was given and unlock the door and put my things inside. I just shove my bags through the door, but don't go inside just yet.
I wanted to keep breathing in the outside air. I listen to the birds twittering in the trees and feel the light breeze that blows across my face. I walk around the building and drink in the sight.
It was a gorgeous three-story log cabin that I would be staying in, all by myself for the first little while. She told me that eventually another person would be coming to stay there as well. I felt a little shy thinking about it.
The other person that will be showing up is a male. I haven’t always had the best experience with men, but I wouldn’t hold that against him. Who knows maybe he would be pretty cool and we could hit it off and be friends? I could really use a friend… After some alone time, of course.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Finally, I walk into the cabin and close the door behind me. I lock the door, although I feel as though that might not be completely necessary as there really isn't anyone around. But you never know, a few years in the dormitories and you forget what feels like to be safe.
Now that I was in the building, I wasn't completely sure what I should be doing. The opportunity that I had been given was to come out here and be a caretaker for the next year.
I questioned why I was being considered and was told that I came to mind when the opportunity arose. I had been talking about how I wanted to take some time off, travel or you know something.
I assume that is why she offered it to me, and I felt that it would be a great opportunity. So, when she asked me if I would be interested, I answered with an affirmative. She then set up an interview with the owner of the building that I would be staying in.
The next day I had taken a shower and dressed in the best clothes that I had with me. Which were clean leggings, a long black shirt that was almost a dress, and a very fashionable white shirt belt.
I was nervous as I walked into the room to talk with the property owner who was giving such a fantastic opportunity. My first impression of this woman was that she was rich.
She was dressed in fine clothing and had rings that sparkled with jewels, although they were not gaudy. She was also wearing a perfume of gardenias, and… Something fancy I guess? I don’t know, she just smelled rich.
She asked me some questions about myself and my situation. At first, I hesitated but I answered honestly, which seemed to please her. As we talked, she nodded a lot and took down notes on the piece of paper in front of her.
Throughout that next week we finalized everything. The final instructions she gave me were to read the letter on the kitchen table when I arrived.
I stretch my arms above my head and then down to my toes in order to help wake up just a little bit before reading the letter on the table. It reads:
"Hello Aurora,
I am glad that you were willing and able to take my offer. After hearing about your case, I knew that I needed to reach out to you.
Now that you are here there are a few things that I would like you to do. Underneath this letter there should be a journal. I would like you to make a journal entry every day of anything interesting that happens. And if nothing happens, then just make a record of what you did during the day. I feel that should be simple, yet useful.
Also, as I told you there will be a man coming to live here as well. I, however, will not tell you his name, and here is why: this cabin is said to be haunted. We would like to turn this into something, although I am not sure what, and not sure that ‘the what’ even currently matters.
And I won't be telling you his name because I want to know if it is obvious that this place is haunted, and how obvious is the difference between the living and the dead. Good luck Aurora."
I drop the letter onto the table. Haunted?