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Colorado Winter Writer's life - An Overactive Imagination?

Writer's picture: Rebecca ParchaRebecca Parcha

Ok, so slightly embarrassing story here... I needed to complete my final readthrough before sending to my editor for her final edits and so I booked a getaway. I live in Colorado, so we have tons of mountains and cabins. I thought, 'how cozy!' So, I went on Airbnb and booked one in Woodland Park—my first mistake.


Now don't get me wrong, Woodland Park is fine, but it’s always gave me ‘the creeps’ a little bit. But! I chose it because it was close-ish and affordable. 


So, I arrive and it was in the middle of a snowstorm—oops. And dark. The cabin was unlocked when i got there, like all doors open—even the one in the back that led to a creepy shed with a screen door.


I'm a little creeped out at this point, but I go in anyways. 


The floors are creaking, there's padlocks on the closet upstairs, a fan that's spinning and squeaking in a methodic rhythm. And then...something small and white shows up.

It’s crumpled on the floor near the door.


I don't know where it came from, but it wasn't there when I entered. A tissue? I don’t have tissues in my car or belongings (I pretty much only use them at home when sick), so I’m confused and convince myself it’s a paper towel from when I washed my hands.


But it was strange...


Even still, I ignore it and setup at the table getting ready to work. I glance out at the snow that still heavily falling and then at the doors. Doors I couldn't lock from only the inside and ensure no-one could enter from beyond—strangers stalking through the dark forest. I recall how upon arrival, the host had told me she remotely unlocked it, the deadbolt. Not the most comforting thing, but still, there’s other cabins nearby so perhaps she’s staying in one? I look for a lower lock on the door or any other security features, but none are present.


Creek creek creek.


I sit down at the worn wooden table and begin reading, notebook and pen next to me.


The wind howls, the fan squeaks, a distant car door sounds.


Okay, so I’m trying to get out of my head, but the damn door locks are bothering me. So, I do what any logical person would, I go take a shower.


I leave the bathroom door open because, well in part, I’m telling myself ‘It’s in my head and I’m fine!’

I wash off the soap, let the hot water work my tired back muscles, and then I turn to the door and—


A worn face is staring at me, smile spread widely across his winkled skin. His thick glasses were slightly fogged by the steam, and he held an ax in one hand. I go to scream except he raises a finger from his free hand to his lips and silences me—


No, no one was there. Did the floor creek? Yep. Did the fan squeak, and a closet door I’d previously opened become stuck? Yup.


I towel dried and then proceeded to get dressed, looking behind my back as I did so, searching for that face, the thing of horror movies. Nothing, a strange noise from downstairs—it’s probably just the wind…


I sit on the bed and the hard memory foam is very cold and so it didn’t give—like at all. I go to the other room and try those beds (they’re bunk beds, so of course, I check under them) and they’re also rock hard.


At this point, the padlocks, weird noises, and apparition got to me and so…I packed up, cleared the ice from my car, and came back in for one final walk through. I bend over to pick up the paper towel but it's soft, much too soft to be paper towel.


It’s a used tissue.


I shove it in my coat and leave, all the while my nerves are jumbled. The tissue that randomly appeared had been gently used and was right at the doors entryway.

Upon quickly exiting, I shut the door and go to enter the code to lock it from the outside and hit the first digit only for it to start flashing wildly and then lock me out.


Then I remember: they can remote access the building.


Now, I’m not saying they were watching me or that someone else was in the cabin and dropped their tissue…but the door did lock itself at the perfect time. Could it be that I only had to press the first of four digits and not even the lock symbol for it to lock? Possibly. It’s very likely that it’s just a modern door and locks from the outside with the first touch of any buttons…right? And that tissue, perhaps when I set my luggage down on the couch, it fluttered out form the behind a pillow and landed on the floor…?

 

It's all in my head…or is it? (cry face)


I don’t know, but I like to poke fun at my chicken-self sometimes. I’m just grateful I’m alive and able to continue the Untish Series. Needless to say, next time I need to get away to focus, it will be in a local hotel where I’m safe, comfortable, and can lock the room from the inside lol.

Xoxo,

Rebecca

 

QUESTION: Have you ever experienced anything like this?



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1 Comment


tljjazzy
tljjazzy
6 days ago

How scary! I'm glad you got out of there and went somewhere you could feel (and be) safe.

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