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“I brought all the supplies with me, so I’ll be able to collect the samples tomorrow,” I explain. “That said, I won’t be in the office until mid-afternoon. In the meantime, I’ll take some pictures of the surrounding area to document the environment. Candace, did you already order the air quality samples?”
She nods and finishes her wine, waving for another from the bartender. “They’ll be here in a couple of days,” she says, “They have to fly in, and there’s a layover from a connecting flight.”
“We should have some answers within the next two weeks then, or we will be back at square one,” I say, my voice filled with tentative hope, as I gaze contemplatively at my glass of wine.
Henry and Candace fall into a quiet discussion about melting glaciers and the hypothetical scenarios of a zombie virus outbreak, their animated voices blending with the lively atmosphere of the tavern.
Finishing off the last sip of my wine, a nagging paranoia tugs at the back of my mind, making the hair at the nape of my neck stand on end. My eyes scan the faces of nearby patrons nervously as my pulse rages, but none of them are paying any attention to the three of us.
Time to go.
I gather my belongings and give them a playful smile. “I’m heading home, guys. Enjoy the rest of your night.” I then turn to Henry, pointing my finger at him with mock sternness. “No more speeding.”
Henry chuckles and raises his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright,” he concedes, “no more high-speed adventures. I’ll keep it within the legal limits, promise.”
Candace giggles as she stands up to wrap her arms around me in a tight hug, “Wish me luck.” she whispers.
I return the hug, squeezing her slightly. “You won’t need it,” I assure her.
Waking up to a slight hangover and having slept in later than anticipated, I can only be grateful I did not have to suffer any dreams.
If only alcohol could solve all my problems without any of the side effects.
It doesn’t take long for me to get ready, slipping into my chosen outfit, opting for comfortable and breathable attire suitable for my expedition to the lake.
Taking a moment to gather my essentials, I tuck some cash and cards securely into my bra, ensuring they are easily accessible yet discreet. I sling my equipment over my shoulder, feeling its weight settle against my back.
By the time I get to the front door, my keys and phone find their place in my pocket that I zip closed before stepping outside. I pause to lock the door, the familiar click providing a sense of security.
The hike takes approximately an hour of following the trail until I reach dense underbrush. Mindful of the surrounding vegetation, I tread cautiously, aiming to minimize any disturbance along the way. I secure biodegradable reflective ribbons onto nearby trees at regular intervals of twenty to thirty feet, creating a visual guide in case I lose my way.
Every so often, I kneel down, collecting small samples of foliage. Methodically gathering a combination of moss, roots, soil, stems, and leaves, careful not to harm the delicate ecosystem.Occasionally, peeling off fragments of bark that catch my attention. Each specimen is meticulously stored in my pack, accompanied by clear notations to maintain their integrity and ensure accurate analysis.
After another hour of navigating the wilderness, the treeline breaks revealing a picturesque clearing. The lush greenery on the ground beneath me transitions to a soft sandy surface, extending to the gentle lapping of water as a light breeze nudges it toward the shore.
I still, allowing the serene view to wash over me. The surroundings are a testament to nature’s beauty, as vibrant hues of green and various splashes of color adorn the landscape. It exudes a sense of tranquility and familiarity that resonates somewhere deep within my very being. The allure of this place is captivating, tempting me to repose in its serenity for hours on end.
The position of the sun in the sky sobers me from my trance as the afternoon nears, and I move to the water, slipping off my shoes to avoid them filling with sand. As my toes sink, the granules tickle against my skin, sending shivers up my legs to my neck. The sensation is reminiscent of when someone’s singing gives you goosebumps that make your entire body shiver.
Bending down to take a sample of the sand, I steal a final glance at the peaceful environment, before submerging the tube into the lake water. Noting the name, location and date on it, I tuck it in my pack and turning back the way I came.
Thirty minutes into the return hike through the woods, the once clearly marked path now shows signs of fewer markers, and a sense of unease washes over me. I glance back, noting the remaining ribbons hanging loosely in the distance, reassuring me that I am still traveling in the right direction. The absence of the markers causes a knot to form in my stomach, a subtle hint of worry creeping into my thoughts.
They would have taken weeks to dissolve. There’s no shoe prints in the moss that indicate someone was following me. Where did they go?
A twig snaps in the distance and my head jerks to the sound. The flutter of butterflies in my stomach intensifies, and a surge of adrenaline courses through my veins as I scan the forest around me.
You’re not in those woods, Lara. It’s, in all likelihood, a bird or something.
Pulling out my compass with a cautious glance to make sure I’m alone, I continue the hike. Regardless if I veer south or north, as long as I go west, I’ll intersect the main pathway.
My hand tightly grips the bear spray at my side as I proceed cautiously, my senses on high alert. The sound of a rustling sends my pulse raging until a deer eating from a bush comes into view, seemingly unbothered by my presence.
I shake off the lingering unease, securing the bear spray back in its holster on my belt with trembling hands.
Doesn’t explain the missing ribbons but the twig snapping? Possibly.
Another thirty minutes pass and my surroundings remain unfamiliar, sending a flicker of doubt creeping into my mind.
