Untangling Strings

Chapter Eleven

The owner of Alcott's was kind enough to welcome me in the late evening with a cup of hot cocoa, but she didn't keep me for long. It took me a while to settle in because I badly wanted to start anew. I sent a message to mom hoping it would ease her worry a little if I let her know that I arrived safely, without saying the place of course. I felt the need to message dad as well, "Hi dad. Sorry for leaving without goodbye. Don't worry, I'm all good." Then I turned my phone off. Gabriel will be so pissed when he finds out in the morning, that's for sure.

I unpacked my clothes and cleaned myself before lying to bed. I fought so hard just to make my mind stop overthinking, and just be at peace with myself.

The next morning, I was awakened by a ray of sunshine that peers through the window curtains. I thought of reaching my phone, but I guess I can start the day without letting any toxicity into my morning. I look out the window which overlooks the beautifully landscaped garden I didn't notice last night. This place screams calmness in every corner.

I looked over my clothes. Maybe leggings and Drifit shirt, paired with running shoes, would be helpful to clear my mind and shake off the negativities attached to every cell in me. I tied my hair, grabbed my watch, and smiled in the mirror, "You can make today way better, Hope."

As I stepped foot downstairs, Olive, the owner of the B&B, approached me. "Good morning! Going for a run?"

"Hi. Yeah. I'll just roam around a little. I won't get lost here, will I?"

She chuckled, "No, no. Why don't you have a morning drink? Just to help you start the day."

"Oh, that sounds nice."

She led me to the kitchen, which seems to be a lot is going on. "Are you preparing this much for your guests?"

"Yes. I always wanted to make them feel home. You can never say no to comfort food." She handed me a glass of I don't know what it is.

My observant eyes caught the set up in the garden where I suppose guests will be enjoying their breakfast anytime soon. "Thanks. Do you mind if I ask what's in here?"

"I call it a morning wellness elixir and it is a secret drink. Don't worry, it's healthy. I care for my guests so much." There was a certain spark in her eyes, and a warm smile was drawn on her face.

I took a sip. "This is actually good." Then, I gulped everything. "Thanks again. I'm gonna head out now."

The fresh air of Greenwoods hit my face. I got onto my feet and ran. This town is quite a beauty and close to nature, I must say. Everywhere I look, there's greenery waving at me. I don't know this place, but for the first time in a very long time, I'll trust my feet on where it'll take me.

I had been running for about ten minutes and I can already see the similarities of this town and Old Pines, just that in terms of geographical area, this town's quite greater in size. I wonder if news travels fast around here too. I let the greeneries be my track and refresh my mind, until I found myself in... is this a forest? I slowed down, and came to a complete stop. I studied the tall trees with perfectly carved trunks by nature, its leaves that almost cover the entire place I am standing and serves as a shade, the cool breeze, and water. I hear a rippling flow of water. I followed where the sound was coming from, and to my surprise, there was a dazzling huge pool of water that looked beyond magical with those gorgeous rock formations. I simmered the scenic view, just standing on my feet, and for a moment I felt the burden had been lifted on me. After a couple of minutes, I decided to go back.

It's a good thing I'm good at directions, I was able to remember the path I took. To my surprise, I didn't realize I took a trek to find the spring. Maybe it was the excitement of uncovering something interesting that made me miss out on. But it was good. Definitely good.