Where am I?

Did that old lady hand me a flash bomb or something? I blinked several times trying to see. When my sight finally cleared I gasped. "Where am I?"

Before me was a large lake with a waterfall on the other side. The water sparkled in the sunlight in a way that made it look like a picture in a kids' fairy tale book. I could stare at the view forever if it was not for the fact I couldn't figure out how I got there. Did that old bat also drug me?

When I looked down I had a whole new issue to worry about. My eyes and hair are GLOWING!!

My eyes which once reminded me of grass now looked more like emeralds, and my hair was now more the color of fire than its normal coppery tone.

The glow diminished a little after a few minutes but my hair and eyes still had their new vibrant new colors. Not that I ever liked the old color but the new shade still freaked me out. People's features are not supposed to just change.

After calming down I figured I need to find a clue to where I am now. I decided looking around the lake first would be a good idea. The only other thing nearby was woods and being directionally impaired meant I was most likely to get lost in there.

The area around the lake seemed safe and as I neared the waterfall I noticed a cave almost hidden on the right side.

I got a little wet as I peered in to see if it was safe. Unfortunately, it was too dark to see in with the sun making its descent. I grabbed a pebble and threw it inside while ducking out of sight. I waited but heard no sound coming from the cave after the pebble.

The air I didn't know I was holding came out in a relieved sigh. Looks like it will be a good spot to hide out the night. I gathered some wood and dry leaves from the edge of the woods and headed back to the cave.

The cave was deeper than I originally thought but I wasn't complaining. It meant the light from the fire should be harder to spot through the waterfall. Just because I didn't see anyone doesn't mean no one is out there. Better safe than sorry.

The fire took a few tries to get the fire going but I finally got it. Thank goodness for survival tv shows. I made sure to build a barrier of rocks and dirt around the fire so it would stay put.

Luckily I had worn my dark green heavy coat, black winter leggings, and army boots to school. The Jack the pumpkin king T-shirt is of little help though. Even with all this on I could still feel the chill and I still had a long night ahead of me.

I leaned against the wall as I attempted to get some shut-eye while my thoughts swarming inside my head. It seemed as if turning 18 had set off some kind of dormant curse for me. My dads had told me I was now on my own. High school ended and I had no idea what to do now that my reason to study zoology was gone. Busted a drunkard in the head with two vases. In thanks for saving her, an old batty lady blinded me and dropped me in the middle of nowhere. Not to mention her weird farewell and my new look.

For the second night in a row, I was grateful for a dreamless sleep.