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Chapter One
Julie
NO ONE REALLY BATS an eye when you tell them you’re in a bad relationship. These days, being single is what scares people. It’s better to be in a bad relationship with someone sociable than to be alone. At least, that’s the way it feels sometimes.
I’m tired of that.
I’m tired of that stigma.
That’s why I’m here.
That’s why I’m in Westbridge Forest on my very own camping trip. If you had asked me last year in the midst of my relationship with Andrew whether I’d ever find myself doing anything like this on my own, I would have laughed. Traveling, camping, and restaurants are things you do in groups. You don’t do those things on your own.
At least, that’s what I always thought.
Now I’m singing a different tune and I’ve never been happier.
The spot I chose to camp for the night is secluded and quiet. I won’t be bothered here. No, there’s no cell service, no running water, and no electricity, but I don’t care about that because being alone is exactly what I need right now.
I need a break.
From everything.
With a bit of difficulty, I manage to pitch my tent and build a fire. It’s a tiny, pathetic little fire, but it’s mine. I made it myself and I’m proud of that damn thing. It was hard work creating something from nothing, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let something like it being imperfect get the best of me.
I hear a sound in the night and I close my eyes as I listen to it. Wolves, maybe? Are there wolves out here? I know there are bears, but from what I can tell, they’re on the opposite e
nd of the forest. No one’s really reported any bear attacks this close to Westbridge, at least as far as I can tell.
The noises break the silence of the night. Howls and cries from far off: much too far away for me to worry about, yet I still find myself wondering if I’m actually going to be safe out here. I’m fast and I pay close attention, but I know there’s no way I’d be able to fight off a large creature if one really wanted to attack me.
What are they howling about?
Tomorrow is a full moon, so maybe there will be even more of them then. I know most of the things I’ve heard about forest wolves are likely untrue. Still, I’m starting to grow a little weary, so I put out the fire and go into my tent.
