Nirvana

Crunch crack. Crunch crack, pause.

You can hear a pin drop at the tip-top of the Appalachians.

The silence is tranquil, the stillness is immaculate. An imagery I can’t articulate into words.

The sounds of small sticks falling, but in the most soothing way.

Nothing but snow on top of snow.

The weather is at a calm, crisp 30 degrees. As I continue to trek, I begin to sweat, tying my sweater around my waist and now I’m in a tank top.

Crunch crack, crunch crack.

CRUNCH.

Crack, pause.

Turning around, hearing additional crackles behind me.

I see nothing in view.

This is by far the most surreal place I’ve ever been. Savoring every moment.

I shut my eyes, and sniffed long.

“CRACK”

I jolted, turning my back again, this time it was closer.

Still seeing nothing, I bend down to adjust my boot. As I stood up, there it was.

The crackle. In front of me. Standing face to face.

Its shoulders as broad as a man, standing around 10-feet tall and a face like a gorilla.

Frightened, I froze.

Click. Backing up slowly from the creature.

Click. My other foot followed even slower.

Clack.

“CLICK CLACK CRACK”

Everything goes black. A dull ringing in my ears.

Laid out, I see the grey clouds.

Nodding in and out of consciousness, I lift my neck, I couldn’t feel my body.

The most peaceful place, lay me to rest, when I saw the monster feasting on the bones of my chest.