The fog surrounded the whole path as Anastia continued to walk.The fog blurred her vision and she couldn't see anything clear ahead.
second by second It was becoming difficult for her to breathe but finally after few minutes from miles away a tree could be seen.It was quite big in size.Anastia rubbed her eyes and slowly walked to it.As she got more closer view became clear.
The tree had apples growing on it.It was similar in apperance back in her cabin where Pope used to sit and read.She went closer and examined it. It had a note pinned to it. Startled, she jumped and grabbed it.The page was half burned but it seemed readable.She opened and read it,The words puzzled her as it stated
"A mystery shall unfold..
Go to the right..And shall seek answers"She wondered,"Was it left for me?."
She looked around but to her suprise there were no trees there except it.Fog surrounding it seemed more like a barrier and a path leading somewhere.As she had no where to go.She signed and tore the paper.
Her jaw tightened, fists clenched as frustration bubbled inside her.She shaked her head and decided to follow that path and started walking towards it.
The path was made of soft mud which led to her shoes being dirtied by it.She clenched her fists, took a deep breath, and continued.While walking she came across many stuff which she didn't see earlier growing and everything felt like a dream.The birds,the purple sky, different crops growing and flowers as if she was walking in a dreamcore world created by her own imagination. as that's the way her mind identified things.Everything was normal but for her it was all unusual as she never experienced it .Finally at last she reached a place covered up by a wall it seemed as if the wall made up of brick.There was a door in the centre with a letter on a nearby table.She picked and opened it,which clearly said:
"Those who are self driven by curiosity.Shall never find home."
Her eyes lit up with realization what the note meant .There were tears in her eyes,Maybe..I am the one who have crossed the boundary."It made all sense to her why she was going through this tormen.She quickly cleaned the tears and spoke to herself:
"Let the world burn me but not my soul." without a second thoughtShe opened the door and went inside.Because she know,
"It's her life and she shall face the consequences of her actions :)."
She walked inside and it led to an unknown place.The path was all black with a few lamps which lit the atmosphere and finally an orchard became visible full of various flowers and growing.There was a white chair with a radio and a book lying on the table.Anastia was speechless by the beauty of orchard, it was just like those shown in fairytale stories.She looked around and took a glance of every small detail.Her gaze went on the book with curiousity.She bowed down and picked it up.She wondered:
"Now,what does this book holds for me?."
She opened and look at the first page.The cover was black in colour and the words were written in italics.It felt more like a personal diary.
The words had a poetic rhythm,
"I woke up and slept again.
Unbothered by the world.
As the pain has finally bleeded,
What's left?. like the memories which were burned by the fire.
And the fire took it all.
But somewhere that was the past
My fairy tale has ended but my child shall live,
Let the sun pity my child.A true wandering soul indeed.
Anastia was left all confused,Because it seemed more similar to that boy who guided her.She turned the next page and there was a sketch of jasmine flower by someone with a phrase."Purity is a blessing But a curse also,Those who define it are fools.Mere fools.But wait,"The world is a place of happy fools.Anastia became puzzled as those words were same to the boy.She touched her hair to check if the flower was still there but to her surprise it was gone.She thought:Maybe the flower fell from her hair.
Yet there was a something constantly lingering in her mind,
"Maybe the boy and the author of this book were somehow related."
She turned the pages and came across various sketches which were things she saw earlier.The birds,the typewriter, a cabin deep in mountains.She felt as if she was looking into her past.Finally she reached the last page,Where a note was written:
"Souls exist,Somewhere in dim light."Am I right,Pope..?"
As she read the last page.She fell silent by the name of Pope.She gritted her teeth with anger and threw the book on the ground .She breathed heavily and grabbed her hair:
"Pope,just who are you?."Why can't I escape you at the end..."