Tied Up in Knots

Chapter 2-1

Chapter 2

Four weeks had passed since the auction. It was the beginning of summer and Cody had arrived in the carpark by the Department of Forestry’s northwestern information office. After hefting his overstuffed backpack out of the trunk, he locked the car and headed towards the trees. He had a map of the area tucked into one of the pockets on his backpack, the inside of which contained clothing, some food, some water, some fishing tackle and hooks, along with essentials such as water-proof matches, a penknife, and toilet paper. There was also a pop up tent, a sleeping mat, and a sleeping bag attached. It almost weighed as much as he did, but what could he do? After he had packed it the first time and realised how heavy it was, he had unpacked everything to see what he could eliminate from his load. There wasn’t a single thing. Each time he considered leaving out a particular item, he imagined what it would be like to be in the wilderness without it and it was promptly returned to the backpack.

He entered the forest through the gated entrance and followed a path bordered on each side by bracken fern and low-growing shrubs. He was immediately taken by the silence. There was the occasional bird call, but aside from that, nothing. No car engines, no talking, no constant whirring of air conditioners. The silence, while at first unsettling, soon revealed its healing powers and Cody felt his soul begin to smile.

He had been walking for half an hour when he became aware he was no longer alone. There were voices. Two of them, and they were getting closer. When he caught sight of the two hikers, ahead on the track and walking towards him, he felt a small frown materialise on his forehead.

“Hello,” they chorused as they approached Cody.

“Great day for it,” said the man.

Cody stepped to one side to let them pass. “It is,” he replied, smiling and bowing his head to avoid eye contact.

The happy couple walked by, and without giving them a second look, Cody continued on his way, half-expecting them to call out a cheery “goodbye.”