Page 12 of Knot My Wonderland

"Actually, I think I need some solo time," I admitted, twisting my fingers into the hem of my hoodie. "Just me and the trees and no one asking me what I want to do with my life."

Mara nodded, understanding in her eyes. "Fair enough. Just promise me you'll be careful on that trail. And take your phone. Fully charged."

"Yes, Mom," I teased, rolling my eyes.

"Hey," she said, flicking my arm lightly, "someone's gotta make sure you don't become a tragic news headline: 'Local Student Falls Off Cliff While Contemplating Existence.'"

I snorted. "That would be a terrible epitaph."

"I'd make sure they wrote something better," Mara promised solemnly. "'Here lies Alice, who told societal expectations to go fuck themselves.'"

"Much better," I laughed as I shook my head at her. "I'll be careful," I promised, crossing my heart with exaggerated solemnity. "No dramatic cliff tumbles. Just me, the trail, and some quality brooding time."

"Good." Mara nodded, satisfied. She glanced at her phone and grimaced. "I should probably get going. Professor Kivrel has this thing about 'punctuality reflecting respect' or whatever."

"Heaven forbid you show disrespect by being two minutes late," I said dryly.

"Exactly." She grabbed her jacket from where she'd tossed it over a chair. "Text me when you get back from your hike tomorrow, okay? Just so I know you haven't been eaten by bears."

"There are no bears at Raven's Ridge." I told her, raising an eyebrow.

"Coyotes, then. Mountain lions. Particularly aggressive squirrels." She wiggled her eyebrows dramatically, making me snort.

"I think I can handle a rabid squirrel," I said, following her to the door. "I'll have my pepper spray."

"Against squirrels? That's animal cruelty," Mara teased, shrugging into her jacket.

"You're the one who suggested they were dangerous!" I gasped, trying to suppress my laugh.

She grinned, hand already on the doorknob. "Just checking your moral compass. It's intact."

I rolled my eyes, leaning against the wall as she opened the door. "Thanks for breakfast. And... everything else."

Something softened in her expression. "Anytime, Alice." She hesitated for a beat, like there was something more she wanted to say, but then just lifted her hand in a casual wave. "Good luck with class. Try not to overthink yourself into oblivion."

"No promises," I called after her as she disappeared down the hallway, leaving me to get ready for the day of classes, but there was something deep within me that felt like something was going to happen…I didn’t know if that something was good or bad…only time would tell.

Chapter Five

Alice

The next morning was quiet in a way that felt deliberate, like the world was holding its breath. I moved through my classes with a kind of detached focus, nodding at professors, scribbling half-hearted notes, replying to a few texts with emojis and one-word answers. By the time three o'clock rolled around, I was more than ready to get out of my own head.

I stopped by the apartment just long enough to grab my jacket and a water bottle. My phone was already charged — because Mara would absolutely text to check — and I stuffed it into my pocket as I headed out.

The bus dropped me off a short walk from Raven’s Ridge trailhead. The sun hung low in the sky, still bright but softening at the edges. A gentle breeze tugged at the branches, the leaves whispering secrets only the trees understood. The path crunched beneath my boots, gravel and fallen twigs, each step a little easier than the last as the city noise faded behind me.

The familiar trail twisted up through trees still tinged with early spring green, patches of sunlight spilling through the leaves in shifting gold. I didn’t rush. There was no reason to. The quiet was a balm, and every breath I took seemed to reach deeper into my chest, like I’d finally made space for air.

After about twenty minutes, I reached the small, nearly-hidden fork in the path. I glanced around out of habit — no other hikers nearby — then slipped down the narrower trail, ducking past a few low-hanging branches.

Here, it always felt like stepping into another world.

The air was cooler, filtered through thicker trees and damp moss. Birds called somewhere far off, and a squirrel darted across the path with a burst of energy that felt worlds away from my own. I walked slowly, taking it all in. The trail curved along the side of the ridge, just wide enough to feel safe, but high enough that the view would knock the breath out of you if you let it.

Eventually, the trees opened up. I stepped onto the overlook — a flat, jutting ledge of stone just before the edge sloped into the open sky. Below me, the forest spread out in ripples of green and shadows. The wind tugged at my sleeves and hair, lifting strands like fingers brushing past.

I stood there for a long time.

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