1 The beginning

I've never been happier than I am when I'm outside. Not in the city nor with people, but by the lake listening to the birds tweet. The water swirls and the squirrels dance to the tune of the birdsong. In perfect harmony I lay here, sunning myself on a mossy boulder. These moments are why I became a ranger in the first place, I let my toes dip into the lake and shiver, goosebumps crawl across my naked skin almost like a tickle. Crisp air and the icy water fills me with unexplainable joy, all the while the sun beats down on my skin and melts the joy into contentment. I can't help but to giggle at this strange sensation of wonder that I'm basking in.

It all stops. The sun is gone and the birds are quiet, the sky is filled with dark, purple clouds. The water lapping at my feet now feels violent, and I pull my knees into my chest. I whistle and the thumping of paws fills the forest as my beautiful dog comes at me full speed. He, of course, is oblivious to the strange happenings around us. His ball rolls into the river and he whines at me, not wishing to get his paws wet.

As I step down to get it there is a huge boom, causing me to fall on the rocky shore. I yelp and pull back, struggling to find my balance as the ground quakes beneath me. Coco yelps runs into me and almost knocks me over again. My command of heel was much weaker and full of fear then it was supposed to, but Coco falls into line right next to me anyway.

I hold the handle on his vest to steady myself and start making my way back to the car. We are almost to my car when the screams start. I'm deep in the forest right against the mountains caves and cliffs, the screams are below me. My radio it's full of panicked screaming and static and I have no cell service. I tune my radio to the clearest signal and try to listen.

-overnment announcement. Not a drill evacuate to the nearest federal facility or stay inside. Do not engage with the creatures do not open the doors. This is a government announcement. No-

I switch my radio off,' Creatures? Not a drill and evacuate? Don't engage what the fuck is happening?!'. I feel panic bubbling inside my chest as these thoughts cycle endlessly through my head. My breathing quickens and the world caves in around me, the scrapes on my knees start stinging terribly. Coco barks in my ear and nuzzles under my chin, whining and licking my face.

I sit back and grunt 'heel' through my teeth, wiping off the slobber. I stand up wobbly, Coco pressed firmly against my left side, and open the truck off my old, beaten up outback. I pull on a shirt and shorts and tie my curly hair back. I put my vest on, it's time to go back to the forestry center. I need to know what is happening.