It was invigorating meeting you, and we shared the exhilaration of hiking in the wilderness, where earth meets sky. But before the end of our first night on the mountain, I glimpsed into your backpack. My heart froze as you broke into a smile.
I guess there is no Paradise.
Katherine Darlington has articles in many publications including poetry anthologies, and literary journals. She also has several published novels. See more of her work at www.katherinedarlington.com.
The wilderness years.
Creepy!!!!!
Love this story..leaves you wanting more
Thank you for the comments! I guess anything could happen…
Ooh, very unsettling!!!
What??? That has a very ominous feel. A backpack can only hold so much, so whatever it is, it must be powerful. Perhaps a book on the ancient original nature spirits or demons that live in forests? Perhaps a book that summons them? That would certainly corrupt your assumption of paradise.