Red

Out of the portal, I am surrounded by a different kind of darkness. One that is thinner, more influenced by the light of the stars and of the nearby towns. The night is enhanced by the sounds of leaves shaking in the wind, air passing through tree limbs and the song of crickets. 

I had imagined this small meadow, a grassy hilltop that I have previously camped at with my parents. The grass is a bit overgrown and more lush since spring has passed and summer is well along its way. But, other than that, the site is the same. I don't know what I expected, but I thought it would feel different here. Different than the last time I spent here with my parents laughing and in joy. 

Instead, it is me who is different. 

The joy I felt before is long gone. It was buried with them in that mountain. In that landslide. 

Now I am nothing but bones and flesh. Neither fully human or wolf, I am something in between.