Land of Ice

Chapter 7

I open my eyes, look around the room, and realize I’m in the cabin. I see light shining through the window and decide to take my sketchbook outside this morning.

I brew some hot tea and then go outside through the door in my room. The view from the top floor is breathtaking. There are a few lounge chairs here and I sit down to take in the view, wrapped in my throw blanket with my mug in hand.

I can see the sun peeking over the horizon, light slipping between the trees in the fairly dense forest. The birds chirp and fly between the branches, creating a beautiful tune to start the day.

I take care sketching out the images from my dream, the castle, shops, clouds, and Madam Leoni. It all makes me question my sanity a little bit. I haven’t ever felt as though I truly belonged anywhere here in Cold Brook. Not to sound ungrateful or anything, because I do love my family and friends. It just always felt as though something were missing.

I take a moment to daydream as though these dreams were real. As though I were adopted by normal humans and I was the furthest thing from human. As if I had powers hiding beneath the surface and a long lost love hiding in another realm. These dreams just feel so real and in some part of my heart and soul, I want them to be true. I want an adventure, something more from life.

I remove my necklace and look at it in the bright, morning light. I don’t remember when my parents gave it to me, but I’ve had it for as long as I can remember. It’s a light, crystal blue and when the light hits it, you can see shades of purple and some darker blues. It has its own unique snowflake shape with a cut-out star in the center.

I walk back inside and set my notebook on the nightstand. I decide to shower before everyone wakes up and get some clothes to wear for the day. I settle on a green long sleeve shirt and some ripped up jeans. I climb in the shower, letting the hot water wash over me. I lather my loofa with my favorite raspberry vanilla body wash and scrub myself clean. I use the matching set of shampoo and conditioner to clean my hair.

I get out of the shower feeling like a new person. I get dressed and look down at the counter where my necklace still sits. I decide to not wear it today and tuck it away into my pocket before walking downstairs.

We hadn’t taken the time to plan out today’s breakfast, so I decide to play chef for a bit. I get out the ingredients I’ll need and set to work mixing batter, scrambling eggs, and frying bacon. I make enough food to feed a small army. My friends all begin to stumble into the kitchen just as I’m preparing the last few plates.

“Oh my gosh, what is that smell?” Tiffany says as she walks into the kitchen.

I turn and look at them with a smile. “I made breakfast. We’ve got pancakes, half with chocolate chips and the other half with blueberries, scrambled eggs, and bacon.”

“Mmmm, I loveeee bacon!” Jack states as he grabs a piece.

We all laugh and grab our own plates and head to the table. We eat with plenty of conversation about what we were going to do today.

The boys set to work gathering logs and branches for firewood, while us girls worked on packing bags for a hike.

“Don’t forget the campfire forks. They’re on the dresser over there. I’ll grab the rock climbing stuff.” Becky says.

I grab our s’mores gear and put it in the backpack I’ll be carrying. We planned a small hike to a huge rock wall to climb. We found it years ago when we were barely into our teen years and it’s been one of our favorite spots to hangout since then.

We go outside and find the guys waiting on the front porch. We start our trek by heading straight into the forest from there.

Thirty minutes later, we find the meadow that opens up with the rock wall looming ahead. I take in the view, noting the field of flowers with shades of pink, yellow, white, and purple.

The waterfall in the center of the wall is just as breathtaking as I remembered it to be. It’s been a couple years since we made it out here last. School and work has kept us all pretty busy unfortunately.

We spend the day climbing, looking around for different plants, and just laying on a blanket staring at the clouds passing by. After getting our fill, we all walk back to the cabin.

As we walk up to the cabin, Mason calls out and asks, “Ava, could you grab some sticks laying around? I’ll start a fire in just a second. I just need to change my clothes.”

“Sure, I can do that. I’ll meet you by the fire pit.” I call back.

I look to my right and see a small pile of sticks. I pick them up and keep gathering as I go. I get lost in my menial task and soon figure out I’ve drifted a bit from the cabin. I look back and notice that I can see everyone gathering around the fire pit.

I turn back around and find myself looking at an unexpected surprise. Just ten feet or so ahead of me, I see a large white cat with gray spots. My mind goes back to a project I did in sophomore year. My subject was a snow leopard.

I watch in awe for a few moments before a stream of thoughts come through. Snow leopards are not native to this area or this continent even. Why would one be here? It doesn’t make sense.

Despite my jumbled thoughts, I feel drawn to this feline and it’s bright, multicolored eyes. One eye is an icy blue, the other a striking shade of emerald green.

It turns and walks away from me and I find myself following this strange cat further into the forest, my thoughts and confusion all pushed to the side.

I’m not sure how long we walk before the cat stops just before a clearing. I watch as it moves forward, disappearing with with each step.

I take a few steps to close the distance and look ahead. It doesn’t seem like there’s anything between me and the clearing ahead.

I reach a hand forward and slowly push my hand through. The next thing I know, I feel a pulling sensation and my whole body is yanked through this invisible barrier.

I close my eyes to try to hold off the gnawing feeling of nausea and soon lose myself to the darkness.