**MOVING**
That strange feeling you get knowing you will never see the place where you grew up again, the yard where you once played as a child. My room. I feel a certain nostalgia and sadness because a part of me doesn’t want to leave, but another part of me is shouting that I shouldn’t be selfish. My mother has been offered a very good job in the north of the country. I’ll have to go to a new school, meet new people, and leave Will—my ex-boyfriend. As soon as I gave him the news, he got very angry and we broke up. I think it was for the best.
I finished loading the suitcases into the car and opened the door, but first, I took one last look at my old home. It was a small white house with two floors. There was a garden full of yellow flowers that my mother had planted in the past, and they were still there. The day was sunny. I closed my eyes for a few seconds and got in.
“Ready?” my mom asked.
No, I’m not. This is too much for me. I don’t want to go.
“Yes,” I lied.
She smiled sideways and started the car; we had a long way to go. Today was Wednesday, which meant I would have to go to school tomorrow. My mother had called days earlier to enroll me and request a spot for me, even though classes had already started. They made an exception for me. I felt so nervous, not even knowing what the atmosphere or traditions of this town were like.
My mother was almost my height; we were about five foot six. She had nice legs and was blonde. Sometimes people mistook us for sisters. It was really funny, but I guess they did it because my mother’s character wasn’t serious or anything like that. On the contrary, she was cheerful and fun. I was the complete opposite of her. Maybe that’s why I didn’t have many friends. Most of the time, my face looked grumpy, which made people not talk to me. But that’s just how my face was.
•
Hours later...
“Carolina, don’t make that face. We’re not going into the lion’s den,” she tried to cheer me up. I shivered when she said that last part. “Look at this…” she paused, “as a new adventure. You’ll meet new friends, maybe a guy…” she smiled at me.
A guy? I don’t want to meet any guys. I just broke up with Will recently and it still hurts. I didn’t reply; I just looked out the window at the forest. There was fog, and it was really beautiful. The trees were very tall, and we could see the interior of the forest… no animals or anything.
“We’re almost there,” she announced, pointing to the sign indicating the name of the town. Its name was Lewiston.
I wasn’t excited or anything. We had traveled for eight hours, and honestly, I couldn’t feel my butt. The houses started to appear, the people, the bars, the cinema, stores, and I also saw the high school. It was a huge two-story building.
“Look, that’s your new school,” she pointed to the large building in front of us. There were some kids outside, probably the ones who stay to hang out after school because it was already getting dark.
Mom kept driving until she took a path where there were no houses, only trees. “Where are we going?” I asked, looking out the window, somewhat hurriedly.
“To our house. I didn’t tell you it was the only property available. The previous owners moved out a few months ago and it was left vacant,” she looked at me quickly.
Great, I’m going to be stuck in this forest by myself. Mom will be busy working. I’m starting to feel a bit scared. I don’t know what kind of animals are in this forest, or worse, if they’re wild.
“This is a very effective way to socialize,” I said sarcastically.
She shook her head, laughing.
I’ll be alone in the forest.
“Look,” she called out to me, “after all, we’re not the only ones living around here,” she looked in the rearview mirror.
I turned to look; behind us, there were about three cars, all expensive and black. The windows were tinted, so it was impossible to see through them to see the supposed neighbors. What could be heard was the loud music they had on.
“Great,” I turned my gaze forward, forming my lips into a single line.
Everything was going fine until we heard a noise coming from the engine. Oh no! This can’t be happening.
“Don’t fail me now…” Mom murmured, doing everything possible to keep the poor car going. But it wasn’t enough, as the car gradually slowed down until we came to a complete stop.
Damn car.
“Damn it!” Mom exclaimed, hitting the steering wheel hard but quickly rubbing the affected area with difficulty, making a face of pain. I laughed in the process.
The cars behind us started honking impatiently.
“I think we have to walk the rest of the way,” she began opening her door. I opened my mouth in astonishment; I didn’t want to walk. “It’s not far,” she reassured me as she got out of the car.
“It’s getting dark,” I murmured.
“I know, so we better hurry. Help me with the suitcases, will you?” she closed the door and went to the back.
I got out of the car too, closing the door behind me. The first thing I did was look at the three cars there, honking desperately. I went to where Mom was looking for something in one of the bags, but I didn’t pay much attention to her because my gaze was fixed on the car in front. Even though I couldn’t see the person driving, I could feel their gaze on me. It was one of those closed trucks that are super expensive and nice. It was black, and the front had the word Jeep in silver.
“Carolina, tell those people to stop honking. They’re starting to get on my nerves,” she ordered.
I frowned and looked at her. I didn’t want to talk to them; I didn’t even know if they were friendly.
“I’d better get the suitcases,” I refused, while I looked for my suitcases and put them on the ground.
Mom sighed and turned to those people.
“I'm very sorry…” she began saying, “... but my car died! If you want, you can pass on the side! Thank you!” she finished, turning back to our business.
I didn’t understand: if there was space next to us to pass, why did they act like that? I think all they wanted was to bother us.
The first car quickly started, passing us on the side, followed by the others.
•
“This wouldn’t have happened if that car wasn’t a piece of junk!” I exclaimed, feeling my legs heavy. My outfit consisted of worn-out jeans, black Converse, and a white T-shirt. Not to forget my black jacket that I always wore. It was cold here, it would be very useful.
We had been walking for over an hour. It was dark, and the moon had already risen. Only it illuminated us. Mom was ahead, and I was lagging behind a bit. The two suitcases I carried were very heavy. The weather felt freezing, and when I talked, steam came out of my mouth. The path was dirt; there were only trees beside me. Also, I didn’t know this town was this cold. And I only have short and loose clothes. Don’t blame me, it was sunny in my city. The only thing keeping me warm was my jacket.
I had tied my hair in a loose bun, but a few strands had come loose and were now on my face.
“We’re almost there!” Mom exclaimed from further ahead.
As we walked, I saw another path to my left. I guess the people in the cars took that path. But that path was dirt. The paved road had ended a few meters back. I left the suitcases on the ground to rest a bit.
“God…” I murmured, breathing deeply.
Inadvertently, I looked at the forest, the eerie forest that seemed to be calling me. I don’t know why, but I felt watched. A new sensation.
“Carolina, hurry up!” my mother shouted from further ahead.
I snapped out of my thoughts, picking up my suitcases and running a bit to catch up with her.
“We’ve arrived!” she exclaimed, letting the suitcases fall to the ground.
It was a two-story house, a bit large, but it wasn’t the house that caught my attention, but the huge lake in front of it. The enormous moon illuminated it, and it looked so... beautiful. Something good came out of all this. I walked to the small dock there and sat down. I took off my shoes so my feet could touch the water. It was very cold.
I looked at the moon, it looked so big and beautiful.
“Carolina, help me here!”
I closed my eyes for a second. I can’t even take a break. I stood up, but something caught my attention: on the other side of the lake was a house, also two stories. I’d swear it was the same distance as mine. I imagine the kids from the car live there. After all, we do have neighbors.
I was about to turn to go back to my mom, but a howl put me on alert. It made my skin tingle and filled me with fear.
Wolves? Are there wolves here?!
You’ve got to be kidding me.