The Boys in the Woods

Into the Woods - Logan

I walked the same path I always did, cutting through back allies, through busy and desolate streets. I looked at all the multicolored buildings, never exceeding greater than two levels. God, I hate this place. It was boring, nobody dares say it, but we all know it’s true. I actually think the people that lived in this town liked it. I didn't want to believe it, but the evidence was overwhelming.

Before I went into the forest, I knew that if this was going to be the final day that I existed in this world, I needed to say goodbye to the only person I actually cared about. I walked down the main avenue and saw the building before me, large and unnecessary, Wylen Lake Town Hall. My mom became the mayor a few years ago. For some reason, she really loves this town, even though it claimed the life of her husband. Maybe that’s why she likes it so much. Neither of us was close with my father. He was aggressive and wildly unethical. If it were up to him, he’d strip this town and the forest for parts and profit from the suffering of innocent bystanders. 

I walked up the steps and entered the building. Monique sat at the front desk and smiled when she saw me; ‘hey, Logan.’

‘Hey Monique, is my mom in a meeting?’ I asked her.

‘Nah, she’s just doing some work. You can just head on in.’ I thanked her as I walked towards the tall doors that led to her office. As I opened the door, she sat at her desk, hair falling in her face, glasses on, hand on forehead, looking over documents that were clearly very frustrating. She looked up and saw me, ‘Logan, what a surprise!’ She was smiling and stood up to come over and hug me, ‘you never visit me at the office. Nothing bad has happened, has it?’ Not yet, not that she needs to know that. ‘No, mom. I just wanted to come and say hello and to tell you I’m going camping this weekend.’

‘In the forest?’ She seemed confused as to why I'd be doing that.

‘Yeah,’ ever since my dad died, my mom has urged people to avoid the forest or to be incredibly cautious in it.

‘Are you sure that’s a good idea?’ For what I’m trying to achieve, I’d say it’s probably one of my best ideas.

‘I’ll be fine, I promise.’ If I am lucky, this will end up being a lie, and it will look like a freak accident and not the case of someone who no longer wishes to live.

‘I can’t stop you from making decisions I personally wouldn’t make. I can ask you to please be careful, don’t go too far into the forest, watch out.’ She cautioned me against going there all the time. I was a bit surprised she didn't try to protest this decision a bit more.

‘Don’t worry, Mom, I know the rules.’ I intended to break them all to achieve my mission.

‘Who are you going with anyway?’ Damn, I didn’t think she’d ask.

‘A few friends from school, you don’t know them. They’re new friends.’ 

‘Names?’ She inquired, and I had to quickly come up with some.

‘Darcy, Kyle... Monty.’ I don’t really think she is buying it, but a part of me thinks my mom is hoping I’m sneaking around with some girl.

‘Okay, come see me when you come home. If I’m not at the house, I’ll likely be here trying to figure out a way to keep this town from collapsing.’ My mom gives me another hug, and I hold on a little tighter than she does. In my mom’s mind, this is goodbye; for now, for me, it is goodbye forever. The one person I didn't want to say goodbye to was her, but I just couldn't do this anymore. I tried, maybe not hard enough, but I tried.

I leave in a hurry and continue my journey through town, towards the big rocky mountains and excessive greenery. The trees in the forest were taller than even the most elevated homes or office buildings in Wylen Lake. We were once a mining town, but all the minors were murdered. I’m sure you can guess where the mine was located. The town became somewhat deserted, and then eventually, the population grew again. We didn’t have anything special besides beautiful lakes, a beautiful but deadly forest, and just overall pleasant surroundings. 

I approached the opening and looked around. I turned and faced the town I called home and knew that I’d never need to see it again. The afternoon was beginning to take over, turning blue skies into a mixture of oranges and pinks. Looking into the wooded area, turning back now would be the choice most would make, not me, not this time.

I wander through the trees and notice something that I haven’t any other time I’ve been in the forest, the deadly silence. Deadly is an exaggeration; it’s just tranquil. I’ve come here many times before and this isn’t normal. It was almost like the animals and whatever is avoiding me. So when I don’t want to be mauled, my chances are high. When I do want to be mauled, nothing wants to do it. Come on; ‘put me out of my misery already!’ Nothing. I guess walking in, deeper and deeper, is my only valid option. Here’s to hoping I come across a genuinely vicious creature who takes me quick. I want to die, not suffer; lord knows I’ve been doing enough of that already. 

I know I sound dramatic. It is probably difficult to sympathize with my ‘sadness.’ It isn’t because my dad is dead. It isn’t because I have a shitty step-dad. It’s just me. It feels like I’m walking around in this vessel, unsure of who or what I am, what I feel, who I feel anything for, and what it is that I want. I feel so out of place, so underwater, and incredibly helpless. I have questions that nobody can seem to answer. So, here I am, taking the most difficult ‘easy way’ out. I’m terrified, not just about dying, but about how my mom will feel when she finds out. If I was strong enough, I could hold out hope that maybe in the next few years, I’d find happiness, but I don’t want to put that much pressure on time.

After hours of walking, the light begins to almost disappear. I guess I’m going to make it through the night. Life wins another day.