Hot stings of pain slash at my cheeks. My hands unsteadily hold a neatly folded piece of paper. I trace my fingers over the smooth edges calming my mind. Inhaling the smell of wild flowers and warm grass I wait patiently for Sunny. My childhood friend. The grass green and wild thrashes in the wind. I take another deep breath and try my best to keep my legs from shaking. I have always had a crush on him. For as long as I can remember he has been my number one. Someone who is always there for me. I pray silently he feels the same way about me. My stomach flips at the thought, excitement shining in my eyes.
Brown curly hair sways gently in the wind. A kind smile climbes up his face eyes crinkling. “Hi lavi!” He calls out. I can’t help but smile as a watch him wave at me and calling my name. Spending the rest of my life with him would solve everything. “Hi Sunny.” I return his greating cheerfully, my smile never leaving. “What’s up?” He pauses “You said you wanted to give me something?” I once was full of excitement and movement not able to stand still. A chill creeps down my neck, down my spine. Still as can be I answer. “Yes, sorry for making you come out all this way. I just really wanted to give you something important and it’s really pretty here.” Stupid stupid stupid. Stop rambling Lavender! Sunny smiles and takes a look around, green eyes scan the flowers taking in the sights. “Yeah, I guess” Feeling panicked I shove the note into his chest. “Read” I nervously scan his face while he reads. My heart pounds in my chest, heat climbing my neck and face. Sunnies expression deadpans. I feel my heart drop. It’s okay lavender, he will feel the same way I know it! “Lavi…” he breathes out. “I’m sorry” My heart stops and vision blurry. “I, I don’t really see you that way”
January 16, 14568 Hi, diary!
The snow is begging to melt - finally - The air is smelling warmer, I bet it’s going to be a beautiful spring!
Today Noah, has been looking at me and turning away when he sees me. It always makes my giggle! I wonder when he will ask me out I’ve only been sending him hints and flirting with him for forever! Seriously if he doesn’t ask me out soon I’ll just have to do it myself! See you, Daniela
January 18, 14568 Hey dairy! Sorry for missing yesterday. Yesterday I didn’t see Noah so, I was very sad then today… I don’t even want to think about it. Today I saw Noah with Elania. Everyone knows Elania is the prettiest and girliest girl there is in our class. She sells flowers to help run her family's business so everyone praises her, even the adults! I want to ask Noah about her but I don't know how to do it without it being awkward!! Please help me, Daniela
January 19, 14568 Hi! Dairy! You will never guess what happened today!! Oh, it was so lovely! Just thinking about it makes my heart explode. Noah… ASKED ME OUT! HE FINALLY DID IT!! So referring to my latest entry, turns out Elania was helping him with the flowers. It was a gorgeous bouquet, soft pink and purple flowers. He asked me out after school with the whole school watching. I was a bit embarrassed but, I really enjoyed it… he’s so romantic. I really am so in love with him. Truly yours, Daniela
THE burrow is a place where not many can survive. The damp, cold landscape filled with horrors even the toughest men would faint at the sight. Once you step into the mysterious and bleak landscape it is said you fall to a labyrinth of monsters of the deepest shadows.
Often young teenagers make bets and jokes with their friends to take a daring step into the damp meadow. Along with men stumbling from bar to bar happen to find their way to the burrow.
Rest assured that someone, anyone who once knew these individuals will find one random body part at their doorstep. The body parts pale and cold do not rot, even if they sit in the fiery sun for days.
It is often said that those who make their way through the burrow become immortal beings. Immortal beings that guide those who take the unfortunate step into the cold meadow.
A very select few people have seen the horrors that thrive in the burrow. Those individuals have never spoken since. Almost seeming to be in a comatose state.
YOUNG Emma knew this yet often found herself on the edge of the border. Looking into the vast meadow painting what she sees. She couldn't stop this curiosity even if she tried, and trust me she's tried. She just has so many questions about the bleak and damp meadow. What happens in there? Who is doing this? Why only one random body part is left to be seen? How did it get there?
These questions run through her mind daily.
One day while Emma was just about to finish her latest painting a young boy ran up to her. “What are you doing?” he asks “I'm painting this mysterious place,” she replied only stopping her painting and looking up now and then to take in the view. “Why?” the young boy asks. “Because I'm curious.”
The young boy nods while looking out. Usually, when he appears in front of his prey they seem to sense the danger he brings and run. They run into the burrow fear taking over their body. But this girl does not.
“Let me make a deal with you,” the young boy offers. Emma feels something off a shiver runs down her spine. “What would you like to offer me? She questions curiously knowing this is no ordinary little boy.
“Follow me,” he says as he walks over the border. Emma gasps fearing for the boy's life she runs toward him, ignoring the mud sloshing around her feet. “It's okay,” the boy says comforting the scared girl.
“How are we still alive?” she asks looking around and taking in the sights. “This is my burrow,” the boy States innocently flashing Emma a wide smile. “What- that doesn't make any sense,” she stampers.
The boy snaps his fingers Emma finds herself and the boy further in the burrow. “Wow, this is crazy!” she states excitedly. What she fails to realize is that her left hand is now missing. And is currently on her mother's doorstep along with her favorite paintbrush.
While Emma and the boy, Ben run around and explore the burrow. A sorrowful yell is heard throughout the small town. Another one lost.
