Chapter II

When I regained consciousness, the pain from the accident still lingered. Everything was blurry, but I clearly remembered the moment I lost consciousness, the overwhelming sensation of my internal organs being crushed. It was a feeling of horror I wouldn't wish on anyone. My mind was clouded with memories of my family yelling at me, their cruel words still echoing in my head.

But then, something changed. A different sensation washed over my senses. I was no longer in the car. I opened my eyes, and what I saw took me by surprise.

I found myself lying in a verdant clearing, surrounded by towering trees and lush vegetation. The sun filtered through the dense foliage, creating beams of light that danced on the moss-covered ground. In front of me, a small pond with crystal-clear water reflected the blue sky above. Wildflowers dotted the edges of the water, adding splashes of color to this idyllic landscape.

I slowly sat up, still feeling the residual pain from the accident in my body. My limbs were stiff, and every movement was a struggle. I took a few moments to catch my breath, trying to understand where I was and what had happened. The last thing I remembered was the impact of the truck and the sensation of flying through the air before everything went black.

The contrast between that memory and the peaceful beauty of where I now found myself was striking. I felt disoriented and confused. How could I have gone from a car accident in the middle of the city to this enchanting forest? Nothing made sense.

My mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation. I felt lost, not just physically, but mentally as well. My parents' words, the revelation of my pregnancy, all of it swirled in my head, leaving me in a state of despair and confusion.

I looked around, searching for signs of civilization, but there was nothing but the wild and beautiful nature. The trees seemed to embrace me protectively, and the whisper of the wind through the leaves brought a strange sense of calm. Yet, this calm did nothing to soothe the storm inside me.

I wanted to cry, to scream, but no sound came out of my mouth. I was alone, in a place I didn't recognize, not knowing how I got here or how to leave. The uncertainty was overwhelming, and I didn't know where to start.

I finally stood up, my legs trembling beneath me, and took a few hesitant steps toward the pond. The clear water reflected my image, a face marked by fear and pain. I crouched at the water's edge, dipping my hands into the pond to splash my face. The cool water calmed my nerves but didn't dispel my worries.

Looking around, I realized I had to find a way out of this forest and understand what had happened to me. But for now, all I could do was hold on to the hope that this magical place might offer some answers, or at least a bit of respite from my inner turmoil.

When I finally calmed down, my thoughts began to clear. Where was I? What should I do? Questions rushed through my mind. I wanted to move, but my body was still in shock, my muscles sore and weak. Mentally, I had almost regained all my faculties, but my body remained numb with fear and confusion.

The daylight was starting to fade, and darkness was creeping between the towering trees. Before calming down, I had managed to push the terrible sensations of the accident out of my mind. It took me some time to fully realize the situation I was in. Gathering all the strength I had left, I stood up, trembling, and began walking through the forest, unsure of my direction.

Everywhere I looked, I saw green. The forest was dense, and I couldn't tell if I was going deeper into it or getting closer to an exit. My only companion was my backpack, which I had found beside me when I woke up. Thankfully, it contained my journal, my most faithful confidant. I recorded everything that happened to me in it since I got it. Every detail of my life was carefully inscribed in its pages.

With my backpack on, I began to explore the forest, searching for a path, a way out. Despite the situation, my adventurous spirit brought me some comfort. It was strange, but the unknown always had a certain appeal to me. As I walked, I listened to the sounds of the forest, the wildlife and vegetation that seemed to vibrate around me.

Suddenly, a noise caught my attention. Intrigued and a bit scared, I approached slowly, hiding behind a tree to observe. There, in front of me, a tall, muscular man with short black hair was fighting a wild boar. The fight was impressive, a display of sheer brute strength. I was stunned by the man's agility and power.

I stayed hidden, watching the battle unfold before my eyes. The man eventually triumphed over the boar, his victory clear. It was then that he seemed to sense my presence. He turned abruptly towards me, and our eyes met. My heart raced. The man was covered in blood, and his appearance was intimidating.

He approached me, and I instinctively curled up, thinking he was going to attack me. But instead, he smiled. It was a warm and reassuring smile, totally unexpected.

"Are you lost? Can I help you?" he asked in a gentle voice.

I was speechless for a moment, still in shock from what had just happened.