It was a magical place when the weather was clear and the ever-present mist was coaxed away by the gentle caress of the sun. Eve cherished her annual pilgrimages to this enchanting place, a tradition since her earliest days. Tucked snugly in the embrace of the Azur mountains' foothills, Woodpine stood as the solitary outpost near her family's rustic cabin. Secluded deep within the forest, with nary a neighbor in sight for miles around, it offered the quintessential retreat. Affectionately dubbed Ravenwood by her kin, the cabin found solace amidst the woodland's countless ravens. It was peaceful, rugged, yet quaint with potted plants brightening the porch and pretty lace curtains that swayed in harmony with the breeze. Even the overgrown garden was a sight to see with its once vibrant colors now fading preparing to meet the falling leaves of autumn. In its essence, Ravenwood epitomized an escape to a bygone era, a sanctuary from the monotony of the everyday world.

The journey to Ravenwood was itself a picturesque experience, particularly during this season of transition when the leaves began their kaleidoscopic transformation. Amidst miles of rolling hills and stoic rock meadows, they diverged from the main road, guided by an ominous signpost pointing the way to Blood Mountain. Eve pondered the significance behind the name, perhaps attributed to the crimson foliage adorning its slopes.

Her breath caught in her chest as they traversed a weathered, creaking bridge, her gaze fixated on the turbulent waters coursing below. She marveled at the source of such abundance so late in the year. Once safely past the bridge, the path narrowed, hemmed in by tall grasses and unruly weeds, leading them onward as it wound sinuously like a serpent. On one side, a forbidding rocky wall loomed, while on the other, a precipitous abyss revealed nature's breathtaking splendor.

The excitement was clear on Eve's face as she approached her cherished destination. Gazing down upon Woodpine village nestled in the valley below, it seemed to belong to a distant era, adding to the allure of their journey to the cabin. Besides exploring the hills and natural beauty on foot, this was her favorite part of the journey to the cabin. For Eve, anticipating the thrill of adventure and the promise of discovery en route was an integral part of the adventure.

This annual retreat held deep significance for her family, their connection to the land stretching back through generations of homesteaders. As they labored together, making repairs and tending to their sanctuary, Eve and her father grew closer with each passing year.

Although her father had spent his formative years here, he seldom spoke of his past, leaving it shrouded in mystery. Eve sensed a veil of secrecy surrounding his upbringing, marked by his parents' eccentricities and an unspoken sorrow that lingered beneath the surface. Perhaps something bad had happened that was too painful for him to talk about. Eve didn't know.

All she knew was that her grandfather refused to leave the place so her father made sure supplies and food were delivered to him once a month. He had no phone so the only way they could check on him was through Elias, the young man that delivered the groceries.

Despite the remoteness of their cabin, her grandfather's steadfast presence remained a beacon of familiarity, a reminder of their enduring ties to the land. Eve's anticipation heightened as they approached, the rustic charm of the cabin illuminated by lantern light and the comforting crackle of a warm fire. Her mom breathed a sigh of relief that they had finally arrived and before nightfall when the drive became very dangerous. Eve smiled and her eyes twinkled as if she had gone back in time or entered another world. These surroundings so contrasted where she lived that it made her love it even more.

As soon as the car stopped, Eve jumped out. Seated on a rocker, wrinkled lips pressed to a Cobb pipe, the old man waved his hat in greeting. Eve ran up to him and gave him a big hug. His familiar presence a source of comfort in this timeless refuge.

"How are you, Papa Bear? I've missed you."

"Hey, little darlin' I've missed you too!" Her grandpa smiled a toothy grin at the nickname she had given him many years ago.

"I'm just itching to stretch my legs and enjoy the woods. What a treat it must be to live here."

As they settled in, Eve's thoughts turned to the simple pleasures that awaited: toasted marshmallows, whispered tales, and the camaraderie of family gathered under the starlit sky.

While her parents unpacked the car, Eve waved at the chickens and walked through the overgrown garden ready to explore the trail.

"Stick to the path or you'll get lost," her father warned.

Her mother added, "Make sure you are back before sunset. We are having a bar-b-q."

Her eager feet crunched on the fallen leaves so she could barely hear her but she smiled and waved to reassure her.

Eager to immerse herself in the surrounding wilderness, Eve ventured forth, her heart buoyed by the promise of adventure. Yet little did she realize that beyond the familiar trails lay a realm of untold wonders, poised to lead her on the most extraordinary journey of her life.

(Edited 1/28/2024)