Wolves of the Coast

Chapter 4: Journey to Virginia

I stood at the rugged edge of the Oregon coast, the briny breeze whipping through my hair, each gust a caress from the ocean. The waves crashed against the jagged rocks below, their relentless roar echoing the turmoil within my heart. This was it—the dawn of my journey. I inhaled, the salty air awakening my senses, aware that leaving this familiar shore signified the first step toward a life replete with possibilities.

Packing my meager belongings resembled an emotional farewell. I nestled a worn photograph of my mother among my few treasures, her warm smile and a bittersweet beacon from a past that often appeared unattainable. The letter from the Navy lay heavy in my hands, embodying both hope and uncertainty for a future I could envision. My father stood in the doorway, his eyes misty and distant. During this rare moment of clear-headedness, he seemed almost like the father I remembered, but words were still hard to grasp, as usual. The acrid scent of stale beer hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the life I was leaving behind.

The bus ride to Portland stretched on, a endless journey that became a canvas for my reflections. I gazed out the window as the rural landscape of Oregon unfurled and receded like a forgotten dream. Vast fields dotted with wildflowers and shadowy forests flew past, yet my mind clung to darker memories. I recalled the cacophony of my father’s drunken rages, his voice a thunderous storm that shattered the stillness of our home.

On those turbulent nights, I often sought refuge in the woods, curling up against the rough bark of a tree, feeling the cool earth beneath me. Piercing howls echoed, amplifying a deep unease. Fear, though unseen, was intensely real; a palpable presence in darkness.

I once explored deeper into the woods than usual; I was ten. The full moon hung high in the sky, illuminating the forest with an ethereal glow that made the shadows dance among the trees.I heard a soft rustling behind me, and when I turned, a pair of piercing, luminous eyes that seemed to pierce through the darkness met me. Time stood still as I froze, my heart thundering in my chest like a wild drum. The creature’s swift nocturnal disappearance left a chilling reminder of unseen mysteries. Nature enveloped me, grounding me at the moment and heightening my senses as the scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, a mixture of wonder and fear.

As I settled into my seat on the plane, a peculiar blend of exhilaration and apprehension washed over me. The clouds outside stretched, a vast, white tapestry that mirrored the uncertainty swirling in my mind. Beside me, a seasoned man started a conversation, his face a map of his life. He regaled me with tales of his military service—vivid stories of brotherhood, sacrifice, and a profound sense of purpose—that ignited a flicker of hope within me for the journey I was about to embark on in the Navy. The steady hum of the engines became a comforting lullaby, enveloping us in its rhythmic embrace.

As we descended, Virginia unveiled itself like a vibrant painting, a stark contrast to the serene, rugged coastline of Oregon I had known. A vibrant city pulsed; its noise both intimidating and exciting, heralding a new beginning. With a deep breath, I navigated my way to the Navy base, absorbing the sights and sounds that surrounded me—the sharp, invigorating scent of fresh-cut grass mingling with the distant echoes of marching drills. I felt a powerful sense of belonging for the first time; the base vibrated with purpose, welcoming me.

Meeting my fellow recruits and instructors was an experience laced with both excitement and apprehension. A powerful resolve consumed me; I needed to show I was greater than my past in Oregon. The structured environment of the Navy base was both challenging and reassuring, providing a sense of stability I had never known before. The sharp lines of crisp uniforms and the distinct scent of polished boots created a vivid contrast to my former life, imbuing me with purpose and belonging that I had been yearning for.

That first night, I lay in my cramped bunk, gazing up at the bare, worn ceiling. The city’s clamor was in sharp opposition to the peaceful Oregon woods I knew. My journey, a blend of difficulty and strength, brought me here. I recalled the shadows of the abuse I had endured, each recollection bringing a rush of pain yet mingling with a fierce pride and unyielding determination. I could almost feel the weight of my past lifting as I embraced the sweet glimmer of hope, knowing that I had finally taken the first crucial step towards reclaiming my life and achieving my ambitions.

As sleep overtook me, I found myself enveloped once more by the dense, whispering woods of Oregon. The full moon hung high in the midnight sky, casting an ethereal glow that danced upon the forest floor, creating long, twisted shadows that flickered like phantoms. The haunting howls echoed around me, closer now, a chilling symphony that sent shivers racing down my spine. Out of the inky darkness, glowing eyes emerged, piercing and watchful, each gaze a silent promise of untold stories lurking just beyond the light.

Suddenly, into the silver beam of moonlight came the creature, and my breath caught in my throat. An enormous wolf stood before them, its fur a lustrous black that seemed to absorb the very light that surrounded it. with a disturbingly human-like feel. I was rooted to the spot, unable to move as the air thickened with an electric tension. Then, with a start, consciousness returned, my heart racing furiously in my chest, the image of the majestic being lingering in my thoughts like a vivid stroke of art against the canvas of my mind. The moon was full, casting eerie shadows on the ground. The howls returned, this time closer. The glowing eyes appeared, watching me from the darkness. I felt a chill run down my spine, but I couldn’t move. The creature stepped into the light, revealing a colossal wolf with fur as black as night. that had an almost human quality. I woke up with a start, my heart racing, the dream clinging to my memory.

The dream lingered in my mind like a haunting whisper, its unsettling nature prompting me to shake it off as I turned my gaze toward the bright horizon of hope and freedom that the Navy promised. This offered more than career progression. I breathed in the briny scent of the ocean, mingled with the soothing roar of crashing waves, but soon the disciplined cadence of military life would replace these natural sounds, offering me a profound chance for rebirth and renewal.