What I Done?

I was paralyzed and surrounded by darkness. Gradually a sense of wakefulness overcame me. My hearing was first to return. I could hear a nearby stream, leaves rubbing together as if in a gentle breeze, and a bird chirped happily. There were no sound of human life. Only the calming sounds of nature.

I attempted to move my fingers but was only able to twitch them slightly. My eyes opened, unhurriedly, somewhat frightened of what might be seen. The sun burned. How long had I been in this state? What has caused my muscles to atrophy and the sunlight to cause such discomfort?

With each passing minute I was able to regain strength and began to move different parts of my body. I shielded my eyes and began to look around. I had the feeling I have been asleep for a long period of time and was having difficulty waking up. However, as I looked around, confusion soon set in. Why am I sleeping in a remote forested area with no memory of how I got here? I was currently lying on a grassy area overlooking a small brook. I could see lush green trees and beautiful flowers around me. The crisp, clean air was refreshing and I took in several deep breaths as I regained my composure.

I did not feel any pain or discomfort. I felt more energized than ever, as if I had awakened with no dreaded alarm or agenda to stress over. There was a sense of peace amidst my situation. I was beginning to regain my sense of touch. The breeze softly caressEd my face as it moved through the trees. The grass beneath me was soft and cool. I was able to sit up, letting the majority of my weight shift to my right arm for support.

I continued to try to piece together any clues. I had no memory of coming to this area. As a matter of fact, I did not remember anything since lying down in the early hours of a Saturday morning. How long ago was that particular Saturday? What day was today? I set up with my legs straight in front of me. I was becoming more clearly minded as the lethargic like trance was departing from my system.

I sat there stretching my limbs and as I turn my head I noticed a black bag laying behind me. I did not recognize the bag, but there was no one else around that it could possibly be intended for. Maybe this was a piece of the puzzle. I grabbed the bag and placed into my lap. I took a deep breath and slowly begin to slide the zipper open.

Inside was a bottle of water, a folded piece of paper, and a sealed envelope. This only perplexed me further. Was this bag intended for me? Did I have this bag in my possession during the timeframe I cannot remember? I opened the bottle of water and drink a large amount before stopping. I noticed I was becoming hungry as well. We had I last eaten? I placed the cap back on the bottle and set it aside.

I grabbed the envelope and contemplated whether or not to break the seal. I cautiously ripped open just a few inches of the envelope, careful not to damage anything inside. What I saw stunned me. There was a large amount of cash in different denominations. I nervously began looking over my shoulders. I had not heard any sound to indicate there was anyone near but now I was on edge. I quickly shoved the envelope back into the bag. Surely this wasn’t meant for me. Then I saw the small folded piece of paper in the corner of the bag. My heart was beating so fast. The paper had my name written on the outside.

Fear gripped me tight. What have I gotten involved in? Why did I have no memory? My head was swimming with ”what ifs“ and “whys”. What if I’m involved in something bad? But that’s not me. Anyone that knows me would know that. Surely I can find help and find out what is going on. Why did the paper have my name? There has to be a misunderstanding. Adrenaline starting to kick in and I seemed to get instant strength. I rose to my feet and begin to determine the best way out of this wooded area. As I looked around I slowly unfolded the piece of paper.

“Go to 153 Winburn Drive. I’ll explain. Forgive me,” was written on the note.

Who will explain? Forgive them for what? What was at 153 Winburn Drive?

I was at a loss. Do I go to this mysterious place and talk to the stranger or should I try to find the closest police station and find out what was going on? I weighed my options and determined the first thing to do was to get out of this forest and I could think on the way.

I remembered hearing somewhere that to find civilization, it was best to follow water. Maybe it was from a television show or something in a magazine but it sounded logical at the time. I had never been an outdoorsy person. I know nothing of surviving off the land, tricks to navigation, etc. Surely I couldn’t be too far from someone. I set off on my journey, if you could call it that. More like wondering semi-aimlessly, looking for answers.

I was unsure of the amount of time it took for me to wake up from my state, to getting on my feet, and now beginning to travel on foot, but now the sun was very high in the sky and it was considerably warmer. I was currently in all black attire which added to the heat. I don’t remember putting on these clothes either. The walk was easier than I imagined. Maybe this wasn’t such a remote area. It was relatively neat, free of any trash, no overgrown brush, and a somewhat noticeable path. I did not see any signs or markings anywhere. Maybe it was a locally well known hiking trail.

After maybe an hour of walking I came upon a large clearing. The ground was covered in gravel with no marked parking areas. A dirt road then trailed off from this area. I stopped for a moment to rest and continued on. I walked maybe another hour and could hear the sound of passing traffic. I probably could’ve made the trek quicker but was pacing myself, trying not to panic. As I rounded one last small curve in the road I could see a paved road. Across the two lanes there was a small mom and pop style store. Maybe they would be able to help me. By this time I was beginning to feel weak. I guess I had not gained enough strength to be exerting myself as much as I had for the past few hours.

I carefully crossed the road and entered the small store. As the door opened a small bell rang that was attached to the door and it rang again as it slammed shut behind me. There was a mystique about the place. Outdated decor, more than likely family owned by traditional people. There was a small bar type counter with three empty stools. I walked over and sat on one of the stools. It took a few minutes for someone to notice I was there. An older woman came from a room off to the side. She looked weary but had a friendly smile.

“Can I help you miss?“

”I hope so ma’am,” I said hesitantly.

My face was obviously reddened from the sun exposure and I kept letting my eyes wonder around the store.

“Can I please ask you where I am? I know thats probably a wild question but I’m new to the area What’s the address here?”

”Well my dear. You are at the most happening place in downtown Waltersville, Indiana,” she said with a chuckle. This is Thompson’s General Store. 492 Winburn Drive.”

”Winburn Drive?!” I said loudly.

“Why yes dear, is something wrong?”

”No ma‘am,” I answered.

“Is there anything I can help you with while you’re here?” She asked. “We sell cold drinks, snacks, and deli sandwiches.”

I was terribly hungry, but I did not have any personal belongings on me. How would I pay for...

The money in the envelope! But I couldn’t. I had no idea what the money was for or who it belonged to. But I was starving. Maybe if I just used a little it would be okay. A sandwich and a drink couldn’t cost that much.

“Yes maam. I would like a sandwich and a drink.”

”How about my chicken salad? Best in town!” She said with a wink.

“Sure, sounds great.”

She seemed really nice. She disappeared off the the right and I could hear her washing her hands. I slowly opened the black bag and pulled out a ten dollar bill from the envelope. I placed the ten in my pants pocket. I didn’t want to see all the money.

As she prepared the sandwich I was holding my head in my hands and thinking. I could hear a low mumbling off to the left, behind me. It was a small television set. The volume was low but I could hear what they were saying. I turned my attention to the television just as the local afternoon news was coming on.

“Good afternoon. This is WRTZ News Channel 8 with your daily news for Friday April 3rd. I’m Diane Calbury. Tonight‘s Top Story - The FBI and local law enforcement have been on the lookout for a woman suspected of murder, robbery, and several other charges. Her last known location was outside of Hilltown, Indiana. Please be aware. She is believed to be armed and dangerous. The suspect is approximately 5’4”, 150 pounds, with long brown hair. She was last seen wearing a black shirt and black pants. Her name is Rose Wayne.....”

My eyes bulge out of my head as I see a recent picture of me poo up on the screen. I didn’t hear anything else the news reporter said. I looked over at the nice store owner and she was still preparing the sandwich. She hadn’t paid attention to the news. While she had her back tuned I eased out the store slowly without letting the door hit the bell just above it. I looked behind me hoping she would not be following. I didn’t not see anyone and took off running faster than I ever had before.

As I reached the edge of the parking lot a large black SUV came to a screeching halt in front of me, throwing gravel as it slid to a stop. Two large men in expensive gray suits grabbed me, one on each arm. They handcuffed me and I struggled to break free.

“You know what you did! Now come with us peacefully!”

Only thing is, I have no idea what I done!?!?

THE END.