Page 36 of Cedarwood Cabin

I put on the gear and walk over to the ATV as my nerves start setting in. Dax gives me a quick rundown of how to operate it. The engines roar to life and we drive out of the garage onto a dirt path leading into the forest. My heart races; I’ve never been on an ATV before.

The ride is intoxicating. The ATV easily handles the rough ground and I feel a sense of freedom as we speed through the forest.

After a short ride, we arrive at the lake. It's a tranquil spot with clear, blue water reflecting the sky and the surrounding trees. It almost takes your breath away.

Dax and Lyka park their ATVs and take off their helmets. Dax walks over to the water's edge and skips a stone across the surface. “Beautiful, isn't it?”

“Yeah,” I reply, my voice filled with awe. “It's incredible.”

Lyka leans against his ATV, lighting a cigarette. He takes a deep drag and exhales, his eyes fixed on the lake. There's an intensity about him that I can't quite figure out.

We stand there for a while, just taking in the beauty of the lake and the forest around us. For the first time in a long while, I feel a sense of calm wash over me.

Dax breaks the silence. “We come here often to fish and relax. It's a good place to clear your head.”

My eyes don’t leave the lake, I’m still in awe at the view. “I can see why.”

I gaze into the distance and my eyes widen in dismay and fear. Across the lake, I spot a bear and her two cubs leisurely going through the underbrush. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen a bear in person, and even from this far away, the sight is both majestic and terrifying. My mouth opens in silent awe.

Noticing my reaction, Lyka follows my gaze and quickly understands.

“Hey! Mama bear!” Dax shouts. I’m guessing he shouted to let the bear know we were close.

The bear hears Dax's call, lifts her head, and looks in our direction. Without hesitation, she ushers her cubs back into the safety of the forest.

“Whoa…That’s the first time I’ve seen a bear. Scary,” I say, my voice breaking, betrayed by my fear.

Lyka shakes his head and scoffs, clearly unimpressed.

“Well, you better get used to seeing animals like that,” Dax says. “We’re deep in the forest. There are bears, wolves, coyotes, snakes, deer, elk, moose—”

“I’ve seen a moose, they’re massive!” I interrupt.

“Yeah…You don’t fuck with moose. More dangerous than bears, if you ask me.”

“I always find it crazy how many animals you have around here that could easily kill you. We only have sheep and cows in England,” I muse, shaking my head.

“Well, every place has its dangers. Here, you just have to learn to live with it.”

We stand there as the lake reflects the clear sky. I can’t help but feel respect for this place's untamed beauty. I glance to my right and notice a small, rustic, brown cabin nestled among the trees. Its presence seems almost hidden, blending seamlessly with the forest.

“Ooo, what's that?” I ask, looking at them both with curiosity.

“That's a fishing cabin. If you ever get stuck out here, you can stay in there. It’s pretty basic, just a bed and fire.” Dax explains.

I take a few steps closer to get a better look. It's old and weathered.

“We use it mostly during the fishing season or when we want to escape. It’s warm and dry,” Dax says.

Lyka, leaning against his ATV, takes a drag of his cigarette and adds, “It’s a good spot if you need some alone time…No one bothers you out here.”

I start walking towards it, and as we reach the cabin, I peek through the window. Inside, I can see a simple interior. A single bed is positioned against one wall, covered with a blanket. A small wood-burning stove sits in the corner, its chimney extending through the roof. There's an old wooden table with two chairs and a few shelves holding fishing gear and basic supplies.

Dust covers everything, making any object or piece of furniture have a slight gray hue.

“It’s a good place to fuck someone,” Lyka says, stubbing out his cigarette.

I roll my eyes and cross my arms. “Lyka…You’re either grumpy or fucking someone.”

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