The Latent Sentinel

ALIVE BUT ALONE 1

Ella POV

A beautiful melody of wild birds wakes me up. It’s still early morning, and sunlight filters through my broken-down window. It is patched up but it's functional. I stretch my body and loosen my muscles, welcoming the freedom my tiny cottage brings me. The sun is barely above the horizon. I rush outside eager to greet the morning sun and walk around my humble abode. I appreciate the small gifts this life has given me. Being able to walk freely is a boon—a gift that many neglect, till it is taken away from you.

The beautiful pink and purple sky looks outwardly. It makes me happy and brings a smile to my face. I have been smiling more often now. I don’t remember doing that in the past. The scene in front of me feels like a fairy tale, reminding me of an age-old memory. A memory I can’t recall anymore. Sunrises are my favorite thing about living or being alive. When the bright sun's rays fall on the crystal blue lake water, making it come alive, I feel like dancing with joy. The water ripples sparkle like diamonds, scattered and glittering across the lake, sending an unsaid message into the universe. Everything feels magical. Everything feels like a memory. It makes me realize how much your life changes just because of that one thing, being home.

The gentle breeze glides across the lake and whispers secrets to the tall trees. I wish I knew their secrets. When they gently caress my face, it gives me a sense of companionship. It is as if my friend is saying hello to me. I stare at the beautiful snow-covered mountains in the distance that have been my friend, my companion, and my home for the past year.

The air is crisp and chilly here during the early summer mornings. I have been to many places, but the air always remains the same wherever I am. It's that one absolute in my life. Frost sticks to the dried leaves, making them shine brighter. I love the scent of a lovely morning. It reminds me of everything which is good in this world. All I see and feel is happiness around me.

When I had my fill of admiring the beautiful morning, I started doing my daily chores as I didn’t have anything else to do. I needed to get a few things organized before the afternoon. First, I needed to get the wood chopped for the fireplace. I gather the tree stumps that I chopped yesterday. I stack and arrange the piles of chopped wood around the cottage. It helps keep the cottage warm. I don’t want to waste my resources, so I cherish everything I have. Then I cleaned my little cottage and organized everything around me.

My cottage is nothing big or beautiful, but it’s comfortable and cozy. And above all, it is mine. I have been living here for the past year. I haven’t stayed anywhere longer than a month or two, so having this place to myself for a whole year is new to me. This place gives me a sense of belonging and a connection. I usually leave and find another place to stay at the end of every month, yet I feel a bond with this place. It gives me a sense of security. This is my place, it’s my refuge. I have traveled far and wide across America, Canada, and Europe. Still, this little cottage feels more like mine.

‘My home.’

This place has a weird sense of comfort and belonging. I can’t seem to part with it. The wind whispers quietly that I belong here.

When I was running from the rogues last year, I stumbled across this place. I hid here to save myself from those monsters. But I never knew what I would find, hidden deep inside this forest. It’s been more than twenty years since I have been running from these people, but they always find me. That’s why I like my cottage. It’s the first place where I have been safe. I belong here. I feel at home here. I am safe here.

Lost in my thoughts and the beautiful morning melody of birds, I wandered around the lake as soon as I was done with everything I needed to do. I live alone, so even if I can't finish everything or something is messy, I don't have to worry about it. Who will question me? I can be as messy as I want. The thought alone stabs my heart, but I need to be stronger. I can't think about him. My early morning is spent roaming around here and there watching the birds sing, the ducks swim, and the frogs frolicking in the water. I was enjoying the nature show, but the grumbling in my tummy forced me to walk back home.

I needed to prepare my lunch. I am so hungry. However, my cookery skills are dismal, and I can barely make two things to feed myself. My stomach is growling at the thought of having a warm meal, it sounds appetizing. I can barely make anything other than stew, so I put my hunted deer meat and vegetables in the only cauldron I own and put it up on the fireplace for cooking. It will slowly cook for hours, while the fire keeps my cottage warm. I can eat the berries and dried meat for now.

I reminisce about the day I started building this place. I just wanted to rest, so I stayed in the hollow tree trunk for a few weeks hiding from the rogues. Afterward, when I was all alone, I started exploring the area and found this secret treasure. Slowly and steadily this place grew its roots deep inside my heart. I will roam around the forest during the day, but I will always end up here at the end of the day.

I was wandering near the lake looking for food when I stumbled upon the skeleton of this hut. Just a little ahead was another hut, and it had all the members I needed to make this hut livable. I had two huts to choose from and I chose this one. Instead of repairing the other hut over there closer to the pack border, I carried everything here. I brought all the members I needed from the other hut and repaired this one. I didn’t want anyone to find me, so I stayed here hidden in my little world. From that day, this place has become my solace and refuge.

On the other side of the lake is a pack. A pack that seems inviting and warm, loud laughter echoes all around them. The birds sing the melody of their happiness. Even the grass seems a little greener on that side. They seem friendly enough, but I keep my distance from them. I am afraid that if I get too close to them, I will invite trouble to their doorstep. They feel like a happy family. I don’t want to intrude and create problems for them. I have noticed a lot of things about them. One of them is, they don’t restrain their people. The way everyone is free and happy makes me a little jealous, but I find comfort in their happiness. It makes me feel as if I am part of them. I have watched over them from a distance for the past year. It makes me feel as if I am somehow connected to them. I feel as if I am watching a family drama. I always wait to find out what happens next. They are my source of entertainment in my lonely life. I have seen teens sneaking around and jumping in the lake. They come here often to hide and play in the woods. Even though I am sure they are told not to do something like that. They always get into trouble when they are caught. However, they are back here doing the same thing in the next few days. Youth makes you reckless and adventurous. I have seen some young kids playing in the water every few weeks. Whenever they are around, their laughter can be heard all the way here. It makes me smile. I always hide and watch them play. I am like a creepy stalker who follows them around but never makes their presence known.