The Planning

For all of last week, I have been planning my next exploration. I've decided to go to Pisgah Forest in North Carolina. I've actually never been to North Carolina, and I've always wanted to go, but I hear about other places that I decided to wait on that. I've also done some research on the place and could see that there is some folklore about some creature, called the HideBehind. I decided to do some research on it, and I got chills running up and down my spine. The creature likes to stalk their prey for a while, before attacking. They tend to hide behind trees, just out of the corner of your eyes. They quickly hide themselves if you attempt to make direct eye contact. I really don't like the whole stalking thing, but it's just folklore. The only thing I need to do is tell my fiancé, Maddison, that I'll be going. I'm also going to offer if she wanted to come as well. To be quite honest, I don't know what I'll do without her, she's, my rock. Especially when I lost job last year.

 I heard the door to the apartment open, and I knew that my love has finally arrived. I know how she doesn't like me going to these explorations alone, but no one else likes doing this type of things like I do, but I've reassured her that I'm always prepared. I walked out of our shared room and walked up to her. She looked at me with the most beautiful smile, which slipped when she noticed my face. She knew what I was going to say before I've even opened up my mouth.

 "I do not like this face of yours, it means it's time for another exploration," she told me, while sighing in exasperation. I had to hold in my laugh, or it'll be the couch for me tonight.

 "I'm afraid so, my love," I announced to her, smiling at her actions, "it's going to be at Pisgah Forest, in North Carolina. It's just a two-hour long drive."

 "I guess that is fine, but please be careful," she expressed to me, which made me walk up to her and hug her in reassurance. She hugged back, though it was like she was clinging onto me. I hate doing this to her, but I'm an adventurous person, who likes to experience things that life offer. I also find it recharging, both mentally and physically. It's like I become a new person when I explore.

 "I also wanted to ask if you wanted to come," I inquired, even though I know she wouldn't want to come, as she doesn't like doing anything that have to the outside, even hiking, but I wanted her to know that she is invited to come along.

 "No, thank you," she declared, jumping away from me with this playful smile. She may not like these things, but she always loves to know that I'll always try to include her in my activities, unlike her family. I hate to hear what they did to her.

 "Okay love," I said, matching her smile with one of my own, "but I won't be back for two weeks."

 She nodded her head at this, already knowing the normal for me. It's not a long time to explore everything there, but I still have a life with her and a job. After the talk, we decided to have take-out days and spend as much time together, before I leave in the morning. We also settled to make sure we are caught up in our favorite show. Later, we finally went to bed, cuddling just talking for a while. Then the darkness of sleep hit me.