The Wilderness

In the enthralling solitude of her thoughts, Natalie methodically stowed her belongings into her rucksack, each item a promise of her imminent adventure into the welcoming arms of the wilderness. The past week had been a whirlwind of chaotic turbulence, and her lungs yearned for the purifying breaths only the serenity of the wild could provide. Yet, amidst the impending escapade, her duties as a writer had to be fulfilled. The beckoning of professional commitments camouflaged behind the lens of her camera, photographing the raw beauty of nature, seemed less like an obligation and more of an enthralling journey.

Her dreams were as vast and infinite as the sky she aspired to explore. She wished to exchange her mundane existence for a life adorned with the freedom of travel, liberating herself from her current servitude as a freelance scribe and photographer. Following the sudden demise of her mother, her abode felt like an alien territory, bereft of warmth. She harbored a yearning deep within her heart for her estranged father to re-enter her life, but years had elapsed without a single sight of him.

The tragic loss of her mother occurred during the vulnerable years of her adolescence, and since then, solitude had become her constant companion. Neither of her parents had any kin, leaving her alone with her loyal blue-nose bully, Bluey. A feeling of emptiness haunted her since her departure from her father's house, a house that had seldom seen his presence. Orphanhood introduced her to the unfamiliarity of foster care, living amidst strangers who offered shelter, yet not the warmth of a family.

The company of Bluey only entered her life once she managed to secure a residence after years of tireless struggle to complete her education. Accomplishing her studies opened doors to a law firm, where she was employed as a receptionist. The stability of a job allowed her to afford a humble abode and adopt Bluey, and since then, it was their camaraderie against the world.

If only she could step into the world of professional writing, the freedom of managing her own time would enable her to spend precious moments in the wild with Bluey. Meanwhile, the law firm offered a means to sustain their lives, though it failed to stir any passion within her.

As she was about to embark on her journey, the ring of her phone disrupted her musings. “I wonder who that could be?” she mused aloud, conversing with Bluey, though she had an inkling of the caller. The sight of his name on the display confirmed her suspicion.

“Babe, I’m just leaving now. Bluey and I will be there in 10 minutes to pick you up.” She answered the phone, her tone crisp.

“Regrettably, I must cancel our weekend rendezvous, Natalie. A sudden work crisis demands my attention,” was Jordan's disappointing response.

Jordan, you promised. This is the fifth time you have reneged on your commitment,” she expressed her frustration.

“I am aware of my shortcomings and offer my deepest apologies. If circumstances were different, I would have honored my promise,” he explained, but she sighed deeply, unable to conceal her discontent.

“Alright,” she capitulated. Any argument seemed futile. At that point, she questioned the reason behind their persistent relationship.

“Natalie, let's not spoil our mood. We will plan something on your return. I must leave now,” he concluded, leaving her to her thoughts.

“I guess it’s just you and me this weekend, Bluey.” She remarked, finally resuming her journey. As she started the engine, she announced, “Let’s get a coffee and hit the road. We need to get there in enough time to at least make it halfway to the falls before nightfall.”