"Well, if it ain't the Robinson girl!" Diede greeted me with a big ol' smile, his thick accent rolling off his tongue as smoothly as maple syrup, like sweet music to my ears.
"Howdy, Dee!" I replied. The cold air bit at my cheeks, and my skirt threatened to fly away with the fierce winter winds. "What're you doin' out here in this weather?"
"Just delivering the milk, Miss Robinson!" Diede said with a laugh, his words echoing in the silence before fading like the call of a loon. He slipped a bottle of creamy milk onto the doorstep, his movements as delicate as a butterfly's wings. His hand extended, offering a handshake or perhaps more, and I can't help but blush. "You can't forget about the folks living on the outskirts," he said, his teeth as yellow as corn.
I shivered at the thought of the dark, ominous woods, their twisting paths and treacherous ground, their silence eerie, like a ghost's whispering. But Diede's warmth and enthusiasm were a welcome relief from that cold.
"You've been in the woods?" I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's so dark and creepy out there… aren't ya scared of snakes?" I asked, my teeth chattering under the weight of the winter wind.
Diede laughed at the question, the sound warming the air. "O'course not!" He dug deep into his pocket and pulled out a pocket flashlight. He clicked it on, the beam cutting through woods' like a scythe through tall, wet grass. "And if I'm really scared, I've got this radio!" He pulled out a black transistor radio, flicking the power switch, and Patsy Cline's "Your Cheatin' Heart" belted out, filling the air.
I couldn't resist his enthusiasm. My heart warmed by his excitement. "Ya wanna join me on my walk through the woods, neighbor?" I asked, the sound of my boots grinding the dirt.
Diede's eyes sparkled, bright as the noonday sun. "Really? You want me to go with ya? I'd be honored!"
I adjusted the sling of my trusty 12-gauge shotgun, feeling a sense of strength and courage through my veins. "We'll need to leave before the sun sets."
Diede quickly turned off his trusty transistor radio and tossed it back into his pocket. "Yes, ma'am!" He replied with a smile, rushing off to retrieve his boots.
Moments later, Diede returned with his well-worn, dirty boots in hand, the kind that had seen plenty of miles. "Let's go!" He exclaimed.
With each step, the darkness surrounding us grew thicker, the dense forest pressing on us from all sides. The sound of ravens cawing echoed throughout the woods, their cries almost deafening in the silence. Diede, not one to be deterred, started to sing. His voice rose above the forest's din, and for a moment, it seemed as though he might tame the birds. But they only responded with their haunting calls, a chorus of screeches drawing out his song. Diede grabbed my hand, pulling me along with him as we quickened our pace, both of us now determined to reach our destination before sunset.
As we walked, Diede's curiosity got the better of him. "So, what are we hunting?" He asked, his voice full of excitement.
"Not sure," I sighed, eyes scanning the forest around us. "No one around here would tell me what's out here. A bunch of city folk…"
Diede chuckled. "Ah, the city folk are nothing but a bunch of sissies and babies," He laughed. "You're a real, honest American! You've got what it takes to hunt down whatever this place throws at you - no animal can stand a chance against a woman like you."
I felt a flush of pride wash over me, my cheeks turning a deep shade of pink. "You really think that?" I asked, almost disbelieving.
"Of course I do!" Diede exclaimed, his muscles bulging under his bomber jacket. "Anyone with half a brain can see that there's some serious muscle in those arms of yours. You're more than capable of taking down any creature that wanders into our path!"
I rubbed the back of my neck and muttered, "Pshaw! You've got some guns on you, Dee. I'm nothing compared to you." I pointed at his muscular physique with respect.
Diede chuckled, his Southern accent becoming more pronounced. "Ain't that sweet of you, miss. It seems God gave me a little extra muscle in the upper body, but it ain't nothin' compared to a woman like you. Why, I bet you could take me down in a couple swipes of that shotgun."
I raised an eyebrow at him. "You better watch your mouth, Dee. I may be a woman, but I ain't no slouch when it comes to hunting. I've tracked, killed, and consumed plenty of animals bigger than me in my time. Don't go underestimatin' me."
Diede's face scrunched up as he tried to hold back a chuckle. "You're a tough cookie, miss. I reckon there won't be any animal in the woods that can stand up to you. Why, I bet you could take down a grizzly bear, easy as pie."
I huffed and turned away, embarrassed. "Pshaw. You're making me blush. I may not be a grizzly bear slayer, but I've taken down my fair share of animals. I've tracked, killed, and eaten my fair share of deer, rabbits, and even a couple of wolves."
"Hot dang, miss! You're quite the hunter, aren't you? You probably know all sorts of secrets and tricks for hunting that I ain't even heard of yet. Why, you could probably teach an old dog like me a thing or two!" Diede exclaimed, slapping me on the back. "Tell you what, we could probably trade skills and hunt together. I've got the tracking down, and it seems like you've got the killing. I reckon together we could take down any animal in these here woods."
We continued walking through the deep, dark woods, surrounded by the eerie cries of birds and the rustling of leaves. Diede seemed to be intensely focused on the task at hand, his eyes scanning the tree line and the undergrowth all around us, his hand never far from the handle of the knife in his pocket. Yet, on the other hand, I was lost in thought, wondering how I would tell him the truth.
Finally, mustering my courage, I cleared my throat and spoke up. "Diede, there's something I need to tell you," I said, feeling my heart beat faster.
"What's that?" he asked, pausing in his tracks and facing me. His eyes were sharp but soft – a kind of mischief lingered in the depths of his gaze like he was always up to something.
I hesitated for a moment, my throat suddenly dry. "I... I don't normally hunt big, dangerous animals," I finally managed to say. "I actually... I hunt butterflies and moths."
Diede froze in his tracks, almost as if he couldn't believe what he had heard. "Butterflies and moths?" he repeated, his voice tinged with amusement.
I nodded, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Yes, butterflies and moths," I confirmed, my voice barely above a whisper.
Diede laughed, his head thrown back, his shoulders shaking. "Well golly-dang, Miss," he said as his laughter subsided. "You sure had me fooled!"
I exhaled a sigh of relief, my tension easing as I realized he wouldn't hold it against me. "To be honest, I'm more comfortable around them," I explained. "They're beautiful, you know, and so delicate. It seems wrong to hurt them."
"I get it, I get it," Diede said, nodding solemnly. "I've killed my fair share of animals, and it never sits well with me after. It's like I've taken something precious from the world."
"Exactly!" I exclaimed, my face lighting up. "That's exactly how I feel."
"How far are we into the forest? At this point, I can barely see my hand in front of my face." Diede's voice was shaking, and the forest around us grew darker by the minute. I could barely see his face now, let alone any landmarks we could use to guide our way back home. I let out a frustrated sigh and realized I had left my flashlight at home, so we were entirely in the dark.
Diede sensed my panic because he suddenly said, "You got a flashlight, right? I can't see a thing out here."
"I left mine at home," I admitted, feeling my heart race at the thought of being lost in these dark woods.
A sudden silence descended upon the forest, the only sound the rustling of the leaves. Diede jumped slightly, not realizing that the birds and insects had suddenly stopped their songs. It was as if the forest itself was holding its breath.
"I think we have to find our way back before it gets any darker," I mumbled, shivering.
"How about we hold hands?" Diede asked, and I could tell he was blushing like a tomato.
"Oh, sure, to help us navigate," I explained quickly, not wanting him to get the wrong idea.
Once we were holding hands, I felt much less scared. Diede's warm hands were comforting, and his grip on mine was tight as if he didn't want to let me go. Even though we were in this part of the woods, I felt safe with him.
Diede finally started to relax, which warmed my heart. "Your hands are freezing, Miss. We should be wearing gloves or something if we wanna wander in this part of the woods," he said, trying to ease our awkwardness.
It certainly helped to have someone by my side. I could admit that. But now, I realized, it was getting darker the farther we went, and I didn't want to be in this part of the woods when it got completely dark.
"I think it's best if we go back now and try this again in the morning," I suggested, and Diede seemed to agree.
So we turned around, making our way back home with our hands still intertwined, feeling the warmth of each other's touch.
As we stumbled through the thick fog, our frantic breathing was the only sound breaking the stillness. We had been searching the woods for hours. Still, we were finally coming upon something: a small wooden cabin surrounded by the dark forest. As we drew closer, the smell of smoke wafted through the air, mixing with the chill of the night.
"Oh, praise Jesus," I muttered, grateful for the sight of the cabin. "That's a sight for sore eyes."
Diede nodded, his forehead beaded with sweat in the cold air. "It sure is. We should get out of this fog before it's too late."
We quickened our pace, our boots crunching on the leaf-lined ground as we rushed toward the safety of the cabin. As we approached, my heart raced with anticipation. We were nearly frostbitten, and our clothes were soaked with moisture in the air. I tried the cabin's front door handle, and it creaked open. We quickly shuffled inside, feeling the warmth of a roaring fire in the fireplace. It was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen.
"Oh, thank God," Diede exhaled, sinking onto a wooden chair by the fire. "I thought my fingers were going to fall off."
I sat beside him, feeling the heat of the flames radiating onto my skin. "We made it, Diede. We finally found shelter." I looked at him, a sense of gratitude and appreciation washing over me. "Thank you for coming out here with me. You truly are a gentleman."
Diede grinned, reaching towards the wood pile to add more to the fire. "And thank you, Miss, for being such a trooper. I really thought we were going to be lost in that fog for good."
I smiled back, feeling the warmth of the fire coursing through my veins. "Well, we made it out okay. That's all that matters."
Diede let out an exaggerated yawn and stood up, his stomach growling at the thought of food. "I could really use a bite right about now," he said, his eyes lighting up as he opened the fridge to find all his favorites: fruit cocktail, beans and ham, and sardines.
"You found all your favorites, huh?" I teased, throwing my things onto the couch. "You sure know how to pick 'em."
Diede chuckled, passing me a can of beans and a spoon. "Here you go, partner. You can get a taste of these while I eat mine.
"Don't mind if I do," I said, taking the can and cracking it open, the smell of beans and ham filling the room. I took a bite and rolled my eyes in delight.
Diede sat across from me with an eager smile, putting his feet on the table and leaving a pile of mud. "Ah, nothing quite like a good meal, huh?" he said, taking a bite of his sardines. "It's difficult to imagine that we were outside only a few minutes ago, freezing and starving. I'm sure glad we found this place."
"You and me both," I laughed, taking another bite of my beans. "It's a miracle we stumbled upon this place, isn't it? Talk about being in the right place at the right time."
We enjoyed our meal in silence for a few moments, taking in the warmth of the fireplace and the delicious taste of our food. Then, finally, Diede spoke up, his eyes sparkling with joy.
"Man, this has been the best meal I've had in ages," he said, rubbing his belly. "I almost forgot what it was like to eat something other than jerky and trail mix."
"I hear you," I nodded, feeling my stomach rumbling. "I think I forgot what it was like to have a full meal, period."
Diede let out a sigh of contentment, staring into the flames of the fireplace. "I think we could both use a good night's sleep, huh? I'm just about ready to hit the hay myself."
Glancing out the window, we saw speckles of snow forming on the glass. Diede sighed, finishing his second can of food. "Yeah, the snow looks pretty thick out there. It may be days before we get to go back out there again. But, hey... at least we have plenty to eat and drink."
Diede peered around the room uneasily, fiddling with the lid of the container. "I just wish we had somewhere to sleep. You got an idea for where we're gonna crash, or are we just gonna have to suck it up and take turns sleeping on the floor?" Diede joked, opening up another can of sardines with a sharp click.
I gesture to the bed. "I mean, there's a bed right there. Don't want you to be sleeping on the cold floor, now, do we?"
Diede stared at the bed, and his face turned red. "Oh my god. How did I not notice that? Jeez, I feel stupid now." he blushed, looking at the comfortable, fluffy bed. "You can just... ignore what I said earlier. Sorry about that." Diede laughed awkwardly. Diede left the kitchen table and headed towards the bed, flopping onto it and kicking his boots off. "I'm so tired I can barely see straight," he said, sighing. "But at least I'm not freezing anymore."
I threw the cans into the wicker trash bin, wondering where I'll sleep. I yawned, stretching my arms above my head.
Diede grinned at me, almost like he could see into my thoughts. "Go on and get on the bed. I don't mind the floor. I can sleep anywhere when I'm dead dog tired." He groaned, rolling off the bed and settling on the hard floor. "You'll be more comfortable on the bed. I've slept in a lot worse. I can tell you that for sure." He added in a lower voice, almost as if it were a secret. "And besides, you should be nice and warm up there."
My face reddened, and I started breathing heavily, wondering if I had made him uncomfortable. Before I could say anything, Diede's face lit up like a light in the darkness. "I tell you what, let's make a deal. We can share the bed. Just for this here night, that is. I'm a man of my word." He flopped down on the bed and patted the other side, inviting me to lie beside him.
Diede pulled back up his covers and leaned his head onto his pillow, facing me. "It's been a while since I had anyone to share a bed with." He yawned again, a long yawn and then a smaller one.
As I lay next to Diede, I couldn't help but feel a rush of emotion. His warmth and presence were comforting, especially after the long, grueling day we'd both had. And to be honest, I had to admit that I was enjoying the closeness. His giant hand played with my hair, making me feel calm and relaxed. My heart began to race, my cheeks grew hot, and my hands were sweaty. I could feel my emotions rising to the surface. I was embarrassed, but Diede's sheepish smile made me feel better.
"Oh, Diede, you must be a real ladies' man," I said with a grin, trying to play it cool. I was afraid that Diede was judging me for being so close to him, especially since I was still covered in mud and dirt from head to toe. But it seemed that Diede didn't care about any of that.
"Well, I don't know about that," he said with a chuckle, "But I do make a little time for the lady folk now and then. How about you? Do you have a special someone in your life? Or is it still too soon to ask that?"
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. I wanted to tell Diede about my feelings for him. What if he didn't feel the same way? I couldn't bear the thought of being rejected. I also couldn't bear the thought of keeping my feelings inside.
"I do, actually," I answered, brushing my hair off Diede's pillow. "I know, surprising for a gal like me, but he's way taller than me, and stronger, and more handsome than I ever imagined." My eyes started to flutter as I struggled to stay awake.
"Sounds like you like him," Diede replied with a wink, closing his eyes and rubbing a bit to delay the drowsiness. "Tell me more, will ya?"
"Well, he's an artsy kinda guy," I said, my southern twang becoming more pronounced. "But his job's been keeping him from gettin' back into art. So I wish he'd just create something with me one day, you know? It'd be a hoot."
Diede smiled again. "Sounds like you're mighty smitten, the way you talk about him," he said, as a small yawn escaped his mouth. "I bet you guys will be able to make all sorts of pretty creations together, when the time comes. You're kind of an artsy lady yourself."
I gazed into Diede's eyes longingly. "I am, Diede, I am," I confirmed with a giggle. "Lord have mercy, I can even tell you his name and you'll forget it by mornin' time."
Diede chuckled as he let out another big yawn. "Probably," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "So, what's his name, then? Don't you want to tell me? If you do, I swear I'll remember it." He sneered, fully aware of his terrible memory.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves before I say the words I've wanted to say for so long. Then, looking into Diede's eyes, I see his cheeks turn a bright red that I've never seen before.
"Diede," I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's you."
His heart starts racing as he looks at me, and I see a million different emotions flicker across his face. "You," he repeats slowly, almost as if he still can't believe what he's hearing. "You love me?" He asks, still sounding somewhat incredulous. "For real?"
I nod, and he lets out a shaky laugh. "For real," I repeat, reaching out to take his hand. The feel of his skin against mine is electric, and my heart starts racing in response.
"Diede," I whisper again, my voice barely above a whisper now. "I love you."
His eyes widen as he looks at me. But then, he's silent momentarily, and I worry that I've said too much too soon. But then he leans in and whispers back, "I love you, too, Casey."
The words hit me like a ton of bricks, and tears well up in my eyes. I lean in, and our lips meet in a slow, gentle kiss. Then, we pull away, both still breathing heavily.
"I love you, Diede," I repeat one last time, almost as if trying to convince myself that the words are true.
Diede smiles back, and I can see the genuine happiness in his eyes. "I love you, too," he says, and I can hear the catch in his voice. "More than I ever thought I could love anyone."
The last thing I think before falling asleep is: I could get used to this. This feeling, this moment, this love.
As the sun rises and illuminates the snow, I rub my eyes, having been the first to arise. I finally sit up, blushing as I glance down at Diede, still fast asleep. He's surrounded by a golden glow from the sunlight shining through the window above the bed, and his peaceful smile is mesmerizing. I silently watch him, taken aback by his angelic appearance in the morning light.
Diede slowly opens his eyes, yawning theatrically. He sits up and stretches his arms wide, shaking off the last remnants of sleep. "Morning, sleepyhead," he sing-songs to me, his South-Central drawl thick on his tongue. Diede gets out of bed, putting on his sweater to fend off the chill of the early morning.
I stumbled to the bathroom with a small smile to relieve my nasty morning breath. I cleaned my teeth with my finger as a brush, using the last toothpaste I packed. Then, I heard Diede's footsteps approaching the bathroom, and he gently knocked on the door. I opened it with my hip, finding Diede there with a flustered, dopey look on his face.
He walked up behind me, checking his teeth for any signs of cavities. "You got some toothpaste on your mouth, lil' lady, so let me just–" Diede leaned in and wiped off the toothpaste with his thumb, brushing it away from the edges of my mouth. He paused momentarily, his other hand resting lightly on my cheek. "There you go," he said softly.
With a teasing wink, Diede added: "And just for the record, you're lookin' pretty cute this morning." I can't help but giggle at his playful words, feeling a warm tinge of butterflies in my stomach. These small moments of intimate affection make me realize I'm falling increasingly in love with Diede, and I can't wait to spend every waking moment with him.
"You must be kiddin'," I muttered as I ran my fingers through my long, unkempt hair, "Even with my bed hair?"
Diede let out a soft chuckle, his voice as sweet as honey. "Especially with your bed hair," he said, his eyes full of affection as he picked some fuzz out of my hair. He wrapped his arms around me, his touch making me feel protected and loved. "Okay, so what're we doing today? We were out here to hunt for butterflies and moths, right?"
I nodded my head in agreement. "Not before breakfast, of course. I, um, might've found some fresh jelly donuts in the cabinet earlier…"
Diede's eyes lit up. "No way! You're the best, you know that?" he grinned. His laughter fills the air, and my heart fills with joy. He put his hand around my waist and leaned in, his breath tickling my ear as he spoke. "Okay, now... let's get that breakfast, hm?" he whispered with a smile.
Diede led me into the kitchen, and we sat down to enjoy breakfast. As I took a bite of the soft, chewy donut, I noticed that Diede had already poured himself a cup of coffee. "You're a coffee guy, huh?" I asked, taking another bite of the donut.
"Ever since my dad used to drink it all the time. It has a special place in my heart," Diede explained, his voice full of emotion. I took another sip of my tea, and we sat there in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company. Soon, we finished our breakfast and got ready for the day ahead, my mind full of anticipation for what adventures we would experience together.
The wind became a torrential force as soon as Diede’s hand grazed the doorknob, the cracks carrying a bitter cold that seared us like a flame. The door strained against the pressure, a pitiful bulwark against the elements' attack. And yet, even with the door as our only protection against the raging storm, Diede looked into the radio, hoping to catch something, a glimmer of hope in the darkness. Finally, with the crackle and hiss of static, the radio came to life, and the sound of music broke through. It's faint but a small beacon of light amid this storm. With that tiny bit of noise, Diede's face lit up, his eyes shining in defiance of the dark storm outside. He turned the crank, and the sound got louder and more distinct.
We were momentarily united in relief and joy, believing this storm would not be our undoing. But the sound of the door straining under the force of the wind reminded us that, even in the moment of our victory, we were still in the midst of an epic clash of forces, a struggle for survival against a relentless and pitiless foe.
"Well, that's a start," Diede whispers. "It is a little bit quieter than I had hoped, but we'll take what we can get."
The howling winds increased, now battering the door heavily. Diede turned the dial again until the radio finally clicked, and a familiar voice rang out, a bit tinny sounding through the static but loud and clear:
"The weather today will be... freezing cold," said the voice. "It's going to be a blizzard out there, I'm afraid. Winds up to fifteen miles an hour." The voice pauses for a moment before they give a small sigh. "I'd recommend staying indoors. It's not the safest to walk around in these weather conditions, not to mention the wind chill."
A strong gust of wind suddenly slams into the cabin, instantly knocking out the power. I watch Diede quickly start to light the fireplace in the darkness, his hands trembling as he fumbles with matches and wood. The flames finally came to life with a faint glow, casting Diede's face in a warm orange light. The cabin was now warm, and we huddled together for warmth, savoring the heat radiating from the fire. It was a moment of comfort in the storm's chaos, and we were grateful for the light and warmth to help us get through the night.
The scent of burning wood fills the air, and for a moment, it feels as though we could push away the harsh reality of what lies outside. Diede pulls me close and whispers comforting words in my ear, his voice a welcome balm against the dark, cold silence surrounding us. We are both caught off guard when the fire suddenly sputters and goes out.
Diede scrambles to rekindle the flame, adding more logs to the firepit and striking a new match. I can't help but let out a sigh of relief when the fire finally catches. The warmth radiates across my skin; it feels like we've been sheltered from the world for a moment.
As my mind drifted, my eyes wandered to a hatch in the ceiling. Squinting through the darkness, I noticed a cord hanging down, realizing there must be an upper floor.
"What are you looking at?" Diede's voice snapped me back to reality. I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, realizing that I had completely neglected him while he was doing everything he could to keep us safe. I turned to face him, prepared to apologize for my lack of attention, my heart filling with gratitude as I did so. The warmth of the fire and the safety of being with him were more than I could have ever hoped for. Yet, as I looked up at the hatch in the ceiling, I couldn't help but wonder what other secrets lay waiting to be discovered in this cabin we had stumbled upon.
As we climbed the ladder, the dimly lit hallway loomed over us, its decaying wood panels covered in cracks and secrets. There were three doors on each side, all leading to unknown destinations. As we made our way down the corridor, the only visible thing through the end window was a wall of pure white, giving us a sense of mystery and curiosity. We opened the first door, revealing a bedroom similar to the one on the floor below. Diede's eyes widened in surprise and awe, amazed at the sheer coincidence of it all. We explored the room, examining the bed and the small desk under the window, hoping to find clues explaining the cabin's purpose.
As I dug through the drawers, my hand came in contact with a piece of paper. I quickly grabbed it, uncrumpling the wadded-up document and reading the chilling words. My heart sank as I began comprehending a terrifying discovery: "Werewolves have been spotted in Eardwulf Forest."
I read further, my eyes filling with horror. "Recent sightings have confirmed it: the ancient legends are true. These wolf-men are larger than humans and possess sharp teeth and powerful claws. They roam the woods in the cover of darkness, and their hair-covered bodies are nothing short of nightmarish. Witnesses have testified to seeing these creatures, and caution is highly advised."
At that moment, I heard echoing through the trees a chorus of howls, sending chills down my spine. Diede, too, was taken aback by the eerie sound. His face contorted in fear and excitement as he asked, "Is that what I think it is?"
The howls grew louder and more guttural, as if in response. Panic started to creep into Diede's voice as he rushed to bar the door shut with a chair, his heart racing at the thought of what could be outside. "Do you think it's a... a werewolf?" he asked, his voice trembling.
I took a deep, calming breath, trying to steel my nerves against the howling outside. My heart is pounding, but I forced myself to focus. "We need to find a place to hide," I said, my voice steady but urgent. Glancing around the room, I spotted the closet and pointed in its direction. "The closet! We need to hunker down there until the werewolves pass by!"
Diede hastily pulled me into the closet, slamming the door shut as the howling grew louder. In unison, our hearts jumped at a loud crash from below. We knew a powerful beast was wreaking havoc on the furniture, its deafening sounds of destruction leaving us in fear. We huddled in the darkness, holding our breaths until the werewolf's assault had passed and the house had fallen silent. My teeth chattered, and my stomach churned. Sweat poured down my face, and my hands shook from fear. Determined not to let fear paralyze me, I pushed all thoughts of death and pain away from my mind. As I gazed at the closet door, I hoped the chaos would quickly end. The madness below was more than I could bear, and I wished for nothing more than for the werewolf to lose interest and retreat. The deafening silence that followed each of its cries felt like an eternity, and my heart pounded with anticipation of its next move.
After what felt like ages, the house finally went quiet again. We held our breath, waiting for the werewolf to be done with its destruction. But once it was clear that the creature had moved on, we breathed a huge sigh of relief, stepped out of the closet, and hugged each other tightly, grateful to still be alive.
"Diede, this is bonkers. We hid from a darn werewolf and survived!" I whispered, doing my best to keep my voice as low as possible. "And you just wet yourself… we better get out of here 'fore it finds us!" I pulled off my sweater and offered it to Diede. "Here, try cleaning yourself up as best you can so that dang thing doesn't pick up our scent."
Diede nodded, rubbing the sweater against his pants to dry off. "Alright, alright. I'll get this mess cleaned up." He mumbled, trying to hold back a nervous laugh. "I sure didn't expect to be hiding from no werewolf today…" His voice was low, as though he was still trying to keep quiet in case the werewolf was still out there. "We need to come up with a plan, and fast."
I nodded, still trying to catch my breath. The thought of being in the same room as a werewolf terrified me. I shivered at the thought of what could have happened if we were caught. "Well, I say we just take off, run like the dickens through the snow, and go back the way we came. And if the werewolf catches up to us, I've got my shotgun loaded and ready to go!" I pulled out some extra bullets and held them up for Diede. "As they say, better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it."
Diede's face lit up like a Christmas tree when he heard I had a plan. He nodded in agreement, looking down at me like I was some kind of genius. "Well, partner, I think that's about as good a plan as any. Let's do it, 'fore we change our minds!"
I nodded, understanding the gravity and risk of our plan. "Let's do it," I replied, feeling a nervous flutter in my stomach.
My heart raced as we ran down the snowy path, and my legs felt like jelly. My feet kept getting trapped in the snow, but Diede kept pulling me along, his hand gripping mine tightly. Despite the cold and rugged terrain, hope had begun to bloom in my chest.
But then, a faint howl echoed through the trees, sending shivers down my spine. Diede abruptly stopped, his body going cold as he listened. The werewolf's howl continued to echo through the trees, echoing ever louder, as Diede turned to look back, his face filled with fear. Then, suddenly, a shadowy figure appeared on the path behind me, and I felt my heart sink into my stomach. A werewolf was sprinting directly toward us, its footprints crunching the snow beneath it.
My fear and adrenaline rose as I saw the werewolf get closer and closer, its teeth bared in a terrifying snarl. "Diede, keep running!" I shouted, trying to keep my voice steady, as I took off my pack, setting it on the path before me, and readied my 12-gauge, the weapon feeling like an extension of my arms. Diede hesitated, his breath escaping in visible puffs in the cold as he stared at the creature. Still, I was determined to protect us both and buy us enough time to return to safety.
When the werewolf was within striking distance, I opened fire, aiming for its torso, hoping to slow it down. It let out a howl of pain as the bullet scored a leg. I fired until my ammo was gone, my heart pounding with each shot.
I took a deep breath of relief as we began to back away, adrenaline still coursing through my veins. Diede came to an abrupt halt, his cold breath puffing out in front of him, as he stared at me, his eyes filled with concern. "What were you thinking?!" he cried, the panic still evident in his voice. "You can't fight a werewolf by yourself! We could have been killed!"
The werewolf's kin chased us, their footsteps echoing through the snow in all directions. After dropping the empty pistol, I set fire to my sweater with my lighter after dropping the blank gun. The flames forced a couple of the animals to stop in their tracks. They let out a thunderous wail of anguish and misery.
"This is our chance!" Diede yelled, his voice full of confidence. He spun around and lifted me up onto his shoulders. The werewolves howled in anguish behind us as we hurried through the snowy woodland. I could hear the shattering of ice underneath us. Diede's anxiety and adrenaline were apparent, his heart pounding against my chest.
When I raised my head, I saw Diede's legs moving faster than ever as he ran on the icy surface of a frozen lake, attempting to put as much distance between us and the werewolf in front of us as possible. Under the pressure of his footsteps, the ice begins to crack and moan. Diede accelerated, adrenaline and terror pouring through him. Every stride he took on the frozen lake seemed to last forever.
Diede's eyes were locked on the distant lights of the town as he tried to push himself to the limit and outrun the cracking ice. Still, the cold water is gaining on us, and Diede's energy is running low. The weight of me on his shoulder is a burden for him. We're running out of options, and the only way to stay alive is to jump into the icy lake and swim as fast as possible toward the town. It's a terrifying prospect, but it's our only chance.
"One... Two... THREE!" Diede shouted, and we leaped into the freezing water. The shock of the cold stole my breath away, and I felt my body go numb. The frigid water weighed heavily on me, and I struggled to move. But I persevered, knowing that our survival depended on reaching the relative safety of the town across the frozen lake.
As we swam, Diede's voice echoed through the water, urging me to hold on and keep swimming toward the lights. But each stroke felt like I was barely moving. The icy water seemed to cling to me, slowing down every motion. I felt like I was crawling through molasses, each stroke taking me nowhere. Finally, my body was exhausted, but I knew I had to keep going.
Through the freezing water, I heard the werewolf's cry, its ugly face swimming toward me. Its two burning yellow eyes seemed to bore into my soul, and I screamed in terror. The werewolf opened its jaws, and I heard the gurgling sound as saliva bubbled inside its mouth. I tried to swim away, but my body was no longer under my control. The werewolf pulled me toward the depths of the dark lake, and I closed my eyes, praying for mercy.
As the cold took over my mind, I shouted for Diede one last time, begging him to get to safety. I was sorry for putting us both in this situation, and I prayed that he would make it home. Then, I felt myself drifting into unconsciousness, the icy water closing in around me.
I awakened with a long inhale, like a fish out of water, coughing out all the liquid in my lungs. Diede is crouched above me, performing CPR. First, he pressed my chest as hard as he could, causing water to shoot from my lungs. Then, he took me to his chest and gave me a long embrace while weeping into the heavens once I regained my breath.
"I… I almost lost you," Diede cried. The tears streamed down his cheeks and instantly froze, creating frost lines down his plump cheeks. "I don't think I can make it back home alone," he sobbed, his voice echoing through the woods.
Seeing Diede in such a state was all I could do to comfort him. Finally, I mustered all my strength to yell at him, looking him in the eyes with a determined look. "Diede, look at me!" I said, my voice quivering. I didn't want to lose this man who had saved my life, and needed him to be strong. "We're still alive, Diede, and I'm fine. You saved me," I told him, trying to boost his spirits. "We don't have time to waste. We have to keep going or that wolf in the water might catch us," I said, my voice dropping to a whisper as I spoke of our danger.
Diede was frozen in fear and confusion, still holding me in his arms. "What...what wolf in the water?" he asked, his voice shaking. He sniffled and gave a weak smile, trying to reassure me that it was just a figment of my imagination. Then, with a deep breath, he pushed himself up the snowy slope, still carrying me in his arms. I kept my head down, my eyes closing as I sighed deeply. We had survived the worst, but there was still a long way to go.
As the sun slowly began to set behind the trees and the cold of the night settled in, Diede and I found ourselves lost in a dense woodland, trying to find our way back to civilization. We had been wandering for hours, but with every step forward, it seemed we only found ourselves even deeper into the woods.
Despite the grim circumstances, I couldn't stop myself from singing. The lyrics were melancholy, but the tune was so beautiful and soothing that it helped calm Diede down.
"When tears come down like fallin' rain, you'll toss around and call my name…" I sang faintly, hoping to distract him from the horrors that had befallen us. Diede adjusted his grip on me, carefully placing his hand under my rear to make me more comfortable in his embrace.
He hesitantly joined in on the song, his voice carrying the weight of the tragedy we had just witnessed and a hint of hope that we would make it out of this mess alive. "You'll walk the floor the way I do, your cheatin' heart will tell on you," he sang softly, the lyrics seeming to soothe his troubled heart.
His voice brought back memories of happier times when we had met outside the forest, and the only thing we had to worry about was each other. I smiled a bit, feeling a rush of warmth and joy return to my heart.
"You don't have to sing to me, Casey. My poor vocal chords need a rest," he whispered, his voice still hoarse from all the screaming and yelling we had been subjected to. "Just lay your head down and listen to the heartbeat of the forest," he added, patting my back gently.
I closed my eyes and listened closely to the sound of the forest, the rustling of the leaves, and the chirping of the crickets. It was soothing, comforting, and I allowed myself to relax for the first time since we had entered the woods.
"The heartbeat of the forest…" I repeated quietly, trying to commit the words to memory. Then, slowly, I drifted off into a deep sleep, my head resting on Diede's shoulder.
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