But after exhausting the plants that temporarily abated my hunger, I was instantly reminded of another critical element I had to locate as well — water.
I had not drunk water for a whole day; my throat was dry, and my body was limp and weak. The Gilunus flower had sustained me — it was helpful, but no flower could replace water.
I started to walk into the forest in search of some stream or river that might be flowing in nearby areas. Earlier, convinced that I had stared at the strange screen on my face long enough, I resolved to go out of the woods.
This place would never be one I could leave in a day, I discovered, as the day-drawn golden light seeped through my hands high up a tree that hid beneath the heart of the woods — searching for water. Instead of running away, I learned here that I had to stay alive. For I knew that the creature of this forest — Thorna — would not leave me in peace. I felt like all the other animals had also just left the forest because of her.
Finally, after hours of scanning the forest floor, I stumbled upon one a little further off and was able to follow it back downstream. It ran right through the heart of the forest, but not close enough that I could see it without having to walk at least a little ways in. There were big stones beside the river and clear, sparkling, fresh water flowing between them. The water rushed violently — a strangely pleasurable sound to hear.
When I got to the river, I screamed for joy at the top of my lungs, and my throat cracked from lack of water. "Water!"
I didn't stop for a single second and slid my foot into the ice-cold stream, shaking and holding out my frozen hands to drink. I threw it into my face over and over again. As ice-cold as the kisses were, it felt like a little piece of heaven. Every time the water kissed my body, I felt myself come back to life. After I finished, I washed off my hands and face and thought: "If I ever get home, I promise you that water near a tap will not run for nothing…" Somewhat refreshed, I looked up and went to sit on a large boulder at the mouth of the stream.
I had water and temporary food supplies. I had plenty enough to make it another day. But… My eyes went cold, and I looked to the forest. 'He… he's going to be a problem.' I stifled my breath, accumulating it within my lungs for a split second, and then softly exhaled. Naturally, I was terrified as a result of Thorna — he might come up and stab me to death. I had to handle Thorna once and for all, or he would be the death of me. When I thought about how to do that, I saw something. The water by the rock that I was on began to turn from clear into a deep, dark black. 'What… is this?' I frowned and widened my eyes a little, squinting as I leaned nearer to the edge of the water.
This blackness used to rub off easily on my hands. It appeared less dense than water. When I stuck my hand in, there was what felt like a gross film or layer on top, but really it was normal water. I gently smelled the liquid that was still on my fingers. It was very strong and burned my nose a little; it smelled like gas but with something different.
And then it dawned on me — this was oil.
'Oil?! Where did this come from?' Startled, I looked upstream. I could make out some planks caught in there, a little further upstream. And guess where all the oil was coming from? I rushed over, where I found the washed-up pieces of a wagon. It contained wooden barrels, ex-barrels of oil. Over time, the wood had softened and loosened, allowing the oil to spill. Is it possible that this world, too, has already souls to oil? Factories and refineries in my world flashed instantly before my eyes. I quickly realized the danger and took the barrels out of the water. I knew one drop would poison gallons of water. When I tipped the second barrel to pour it out, a sparkly object in the back of the busted wagon caught my eye. The sunlight was glinting off it, flashing into my eyes. The inquisitive one, I peered through the pile. Inside the pouch was a normal, handmade dagger that sparkled with a man's touch. This blade was a labor of spirit and love from whoever made it. The point was capable of reflecting like a mirror. "Today's lucky find!" Smiling, I picked it up and tested its weight.
It was light in my hand — not heavy — and the blade was sharp. I felt lucky to have stumbled onto this dagger. Finally, I had something to shield myself from the ghosts. Not wanting to waste any more time, I began searching through the wreckage of the other wagons for other valuables.
I took a look at the area, and this is what I found: a dagger, a piece of rope, a water bottle, and most important of all — a leather flask.
The water flask, of these all, was the most useful. It would give me a place to take water with me, like when we were leaving the forest or I got thirsty. The rope I discovered was very long and thick. If nothing else, I took it with me because I could see some far-off usefulness down the road, but honestly, I had no idea what for at this time. I dumped everything I had — sacks and wooden plows — near the river's edge and looked at it all. Well, it felt as though someone had placed them here… just for me. 'Was this all planned? Or just a coincidence?' I put my hand under my chin and started to think.
It was right about then that it dawned on me — I had let my guard down. I stopped in place but had momentarily forgotten that we were still in the forest. Thorna was still out there. This wasn't over. I'd be used and thrown away. It was very sobering, and my short-lived joy was completely erased. I rested my right hand at my chin, squinted, and thought. Thorna's the only thing between me and getting into the Outside. I need to take him out. I glanced around at the assorted instruments I had accumulated. An idea sparked in my mind. It was all I needed to execute the plan — only caution… and brains.
Night fell. I went up the river a ways and made a campfire near a part of the river where the water was quiet. I deliberately chose the opposite side of the entrance where the river was quiet — so I could hear Thorna coming if he attacked.
Despite the forest fire, my heart was cold. But I knew it was more than just the cold. The tension, a blend of fear and excitement, left my senses sharpened. My hand stayed close to the dagger, calming me. Then I got a little bit thirsty. I reached for the flask and drank a couple of sips after returning it to my side. And then — another sound.
With a start, I lifted the knife and faced the sound. The dry sticks I had laid down earlier had been stepped on. Not only did I forage firewood while I built the campfire, but at my campsite, I had "secured" a circle with twigs so any sound would awaken me. 'The noise came from over yonder!' After a pause, I got to my feet again and drew the dagger from its scabbard.
Grabbing one of the longer-burning branches from the fire, I raised it high as if it were a torch. I did not call before long; the sound of dry branches came from the left… then behind… and to the right. He was circling me.
I knew he was trying to scare me for a kick — feeding on the fear in my heart. Even the night before, he hadn't attacked me. He wanted to see the emotions die on my face. 'Bastard! You want to play games, huh?' I raised my dagger.
The snapping of twigs continued, but suddenly the sound was getting a bit closer to me, coming straight in my direction. Each step echoed with menace. He soon made his appearance. Thorna emerged from the shadows, revealing his terrifying form. His smug, disgusting smile expanded across his face. When I saw it, this feeling of repulsion just hit me like a ton of bricks. My fingers tightened more around the dagger.
'You are walking right into my trap…'