Ghost in the Woods

Amaya's baby

​Maria, a petite woman whose sharp features contrasted with her heart of gold, had known Kati since their vibrant high school days. They had been inseparable, bound together by shared secrets and dreams that wove their lives like a rich tapestry. When the first spirit visited Kati, she confided in no one but Maria, her trust unwavering. Yet, Maria observed her best friend with a growing sense of worry. Over the weeks, Kati's once vivacious spirit had been slowly dimming, like a candle flickering in a draft. The memory of Kati’s infectious laughter and her bright, radiant smile, which could light up the dullest of days, now seemed like a distant echo, fading into the recesses of time.

"We need to pull her out of this slump," Maria said to her husband, Mike, her voice laced with an urgent plea. She had never seen her best friend, Kati, so withdrawn and distant before, and it weighed heavily on her heart.

Mike, a tall and solid man with a gentle soul and eyes that conveyed warmth, paused in the middle of packing his well-worn duffle bag. He turned to face Maria, concern etched deeply into his features. His brows knitted together, creating furrows that mirrored the anxiety he felt. "What can we do?" he asked, his voice resonating with genuine care for Kati's well-being.

Maria shook her head, her thoughts swirling like leaves caught in a gust of wind. "I don't know," she confessed, frustration mingling with her worry. "Has she told you what's troubling her?" Her eyes searched Mike's face for answers, hoping to unravel the mystery behind Kati's silence.

Mike's expression turned grave, his brows furrowing and lips pressing into a thin line, as he recalled Kati's recent conversations with him. "She mentioned feeling like something was missing in her life," he said, his voice tinged with concern. "But she wouldn't tell me any more than that." He paused, a flicker of realization crossing his face. "Maybe you can plan a girls' day out. Take her mind off things for a while."

"No, she shuts down every time I try to ask," Maria replied with a heavy sigh, her voice laced with frustration. Her hands moved briskly, folding T-shirts with precision. “Fold those T-shirts, Mike! Don’t just shove them into the bag.”

“Okay, miss perfection!" Mike chuckled, his laughter echoing softly in the room. "Who will see us in the woods to complain about my wrinkled clothes?” He stared into the distance for a moment, his eyes unfocused, deep in thought. "I know she hates camping, but suddenly, I’m getting this strong urge to take her with us… so strange," he mused aloud, his tone filled with a mix of curiosity and bewilderment.

"It’s strange indeed,” Maria said, casting a glance at her husband with a hint of curiosity in her eyes. “But I think that's a great idea," she agreed, her spirits lifting at the mere thought of the plan. The prospect of crisp, invigorating air and an escape from the relentless chaos of the city seemed like just the remedy they all needed. "I’ll call her," she decided, a note of determination in her voice.

Kati, though hesitant at first, reluctantly agreed. They arrived late on a Friday afternoon, the sun already dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. After parking their trailer amidst the towering pines, Mike extracted a hefty pile of firewood from the trunk and expertly constructed a campfire. The women busied themselves preparing sausages and potatoes, ready to be baked to a golden perfection, and assembled a fresh salad and a decadent dessert.

Kati settled by the crackling campfire, her feet resting comfortably on a sturdy log, while a thick, cozy blanket enveloped her shoulders. She had been hesitant to abandon the familiar comforts of her apartment and venture into the vast, rugged embrace of the mountains. Yet, the serene beauty of nature, with its whispering trees and gentle rustle of leaves, seemed to soothe her troubled mind, offering a balm to her soul.

The crisp, invigorating air filled her lungs as she stepped out of the car, the refreshing chill awakening her senses. She stood still for a moment, absorbing the breathtaking panorama of majestic mountains that embraced them on all sides. The lake, a mirror of liquid sapphire, shimmered under the sun's golden rays, casting a dance of light that seemed to speak directly to her soul. She couldn't help but feel a profound sense of tranquility envelop her like a gentle breeze.

"Wow, this is beautiful," Kati remarked, a genuine smile spreading across her face, lighting up her features for the first time in weeks with a warmth that had been long absent.

Maria's heart soared at her friend's reaction, a wave of optimism swelling within her as she hoped this trip would mend Kati's weary spirit. Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she replied with a wide grin, "I'm glad you like it. We have a lot planned for the weekend."

Kati raised an eyebrow in surprise, the expression of curiosity and intrigue dancing across her face. "Oh really? I thought we were just going to relax and enjoy nature," she said, her voice tinged with playful curiosity.

"Well, that too," Mike chimed in with a hearty chuckle, his voice a lighthearted melody as he unloaded their bags from the trunk of the car. The sun had begun to dip below the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue over the campsite. "But we also have some fun activities planned," he added, a hint of excitement dancing in his eyes.

As they settled into their campsite, surrounded by towering pines whispering in the gentle breeze, Kati felt a profound sense of calmness envelop her. The earthy scent of the forest mingled with the crisp, cool air, creating a soothing balm for her senses. She hadn't realized how much she needed to disconnect from the cacophony of daily life until this very moment. Setting up their tents beneath the canopy of twinkling stars, she felt the weight of the world slowly lift from her shoulders, replaced by the serene embrace of nature's tranquility.

Maria and Mike were bustling around the campsite with the energy of a busy kitchen, preparing dinner under the fading light of dusk. They had brought enough food to feed an army, and Kati couldn't help but feel a tinge of guilt for being such a burden on them. The camping area was enveloped in the rich aroma of roasting sausages and potatoes, mingling with the crisp scent of pine trees.

"Hey, sleepyhead," Maria called out warmly, her voice a gentle balm as she approached with two steaming mugs of hot chocolate. "You look like you could use a pick-me-up." The mugs were wrapped in Maria's hands, and wisps of steam danced in the chilly evening air.

Kati managed a weak smile as she accepted the mug from Maria's outstretched hand. The mug was warm to the touch, and the hot chocolate felt like a soothing embrace as it slid down her throat, leaving a trace of sweetness. She watched as Maria rejoined Mike, their laughter and easy banter creating a light-hearted atmosphere that lifted Kati’s spirits, if only for a brief moment.

The mouthwatering scent of the meal wafted through the air, tantalizing Kati's senses and reminding her of her empty stomach. She picked at some salad, the crisp greens crunching softly between her teeth, trying her best to hide from her friends how little she was actually eating.

Suddenly, a wave of exhaustion crashed over Kati, enveloping her like a heavy blanket, and she yawned loudly, the sound echoing through the crisp evening air. "I think I'm going to turn in early tonight," she said, her voice tinged with apology.

"Don't worry about us," Mike replied warmly, flashing a reassuring smile. "We'll clean up and join you later."

As Kati retreated to the cozy confines of their trailer, a persistent, unsettling sensation crept over her, as if unseen eyes were peering at her from the shadowy depths of the encircling woods. She tried to banish the thought, convincing herself it was merely her imagination, as she climbed into the welcoming embrace of her bed and gently closed her eyes.

Yet sleep proved elusive, as the night came alive with eerie, dissonant sounds: the soft whisper of rustling leaves, the haunting call of hooting owls, and the distant, mournful howling that seemed to drift on the chill breeze. She tossed and turned beneath the covers, her mind restless and uneasy, as the hours stretched on interminably, until finally, she slipped into a fitful slumber.

The following morning unfolded in serene tranquility; the air was filled with the joyful melodies of birds as the sun slowly ascended over the majestic mountains, casting a warm glow on the landscape. Kati stepped out of the trailer, her body stretching and yawning as if waking from a long slumber. She took a deep breath, the fresh scent of pine and dew filling her lungs, and a contented smile spread across her face. Suddenly, the sharp cries of a baby pierced the peaceful morning, causing her breath to catch in her throat. She strained her ears, but the only sound that followed was the gentle rustling of leaves stirred by a soft breeze.

Throughout the day, Kati's stomach was a tangled knot of anxiety, though she tried to project an aura of calm. Her friend Maria, however, sensed the underlying tension and unease. "Is something troubling you? Are you alright?" Maria asked, her eyes filled with concern.

"Don't worry about me," Kati replied, attempting to reassure her friend with a brave smile. "I'm alright. It's just... I'll be okay."

Maria decided not to probe further, respecting Kati's need for space. Together, they spent the day by the river, casting lines into the water with hopes of a good catch and diving into its cool depths, letting the gentle current wash away their worries, if only for a while.

After a hearty dinner, they nestled themselves by the crackling fire, its warm, golden glow casting flickering shadows that danced across their faces and the surrounding trees. The soothing symphony of the forest wrapped around them like a gentle embrace: the whispering rustle of leaves stirred by the gentle breeze, the haunting, distant call of a night owl echoing through the tall, ancient trees, and the soft, rhythmic chirping of crickets harmonizing perfectly with the crackle of burning wood. The night air was refreshingly cool, infused with the earthy scent of the damp forest floor, and above them, the stars twinkled brilliantly like scattered diamonds strewn across a vast velvet sky.

“It’s so peaceful here,” Kati sighed, her voice barely above a whisper, as if not to disturb the tranquility. “I know you’ve been worried about me, and I love you for that,” she added, turning to look at Maria with gratitude in her eyes. “I wanted to tell you but… okay, I’ll tell you what’s been bothering me.” Her voice was a soft murmur, almost lost amidst the sounds of the night.
Understanding and compassion in her eyes, Maria silently wrapped her arms around her friend, offering warmth and comfort without the need for words.

“I’ve been searching for Amaya’s little girl,” Kati sobbed, her voice trembling with despair. “And I can’t find her.”

“Is… is she?” Maria asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid of the answer.

“Yes, both of them are dead,” Kati confirmed, her words heavy with sorrow. “The first time I saw Amaya's ghost was two weeks ago. She appeared to me, her ethereal form shimmering with an otherworldly glow, and showed me what was once a magnificent house, now reduced to a charred skeleton by a fire ignited by her husband’s hand. I could feel the oppressive weight of the tragedy that had befallen her, pressing down like a suffocating shroud. She had been searching for her baby, their once peaceful home now nothing more than a haunting, chaotic memory. Yet, she believes she’s been doomed to wander this earth, forever seeking her lost child, never to find her.”

“That’s terrible!” Mike whispered, his voice filled with shock and sympathy, but Maria silenced her husband with a stern look, her eyes conveying a mixture of caution and deep sorrow.

Kati continued, her voice quivering with emotion, “She could still see the unbridled fury blazing in her husband's eyes as he accused her of infidelity. His rage was a storm building within him, a tempest that finally erupted with devastating force, ending her life and that of their precious 3-month-old baby girl. Amaya had been powerless to shield her innocent child from her husband's wrath, and now, she is left to bear the unbearable agony of loss. She yearns desperately to cradle her child once more, to feel the warmth of her tiny body nestled in her arms. Yet, it’s all in vain, for she can’t find her baby.” Kati's tears flowed freely as she spoke.

Maria gently patted Kati's shoulder, her touch a soothing balm against the raw pain. “There, there,” she murmured softly. “Did you see Amaya’s ghost again?”

“Yes, I see her every day. She’s feeling a surge of anger and despair and lets out a mournful wail. It’s heartbreaking to see Amaya's translucent form floating through the charred remains, her eyes glimmering with grief and determination. The memory of acrid smoke and the feeling of the searing heat that had consumed her flesh is still vivid in her thoughts, but she is a ghost now, and the pain no longer affects her in the same way. But her soul is in agony. She told me she had heard whispers from other spirits that the baby's spirit lingers and moves from place to place, crying for her mother. With renewed hope, Amaya searches, calling out for her child in a voice that only the dead could hear. But as the hours turned into days, Amaya's hope began to dwindle. She could feel herself losing her grip on this world, the pull to the afterlife growing stronger with each passing day. But she refuses to leave without her baby.”

“Is there any way you could help her?” Maria cried out.

Kati clutched Maria’s hand tightly, her eyes wide and fixated on the lake shore. The moonlight cast a serene glow over the water, creating a silvery path that seemed to lead to another world. "Oh, they’re over there!” she whispered, her voice a mix of awe and emotion. “Amaya is holding her baby girl in her arms.” Kati sighed deeply, tears cascading down her cheeks like a gentle stream. “Amaya is smiling, showing me how her little girl urged Mike to invite me on this trip. She wanted me to know she’s at peace now. Oh, it’s so beautiful! They’re floating toward the brilliant light.”

Maria and Mike turned their heads in unison, their expressions a blend of curiosity and disbelief. Yet all they could see was the full moon’s shimmering reflection dancing on the water, its silvery beams weaving a tapestry of light across the lake's surface, enchanting yet elusive to them.