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For the first time since my grandmother had passed, I actually felt… happy.

Maybe this was exactly what I needed to dig myself out of that dark hole.

3

Marcella

One month later

Ilet the last bag I’d hauled up to my room drop to the floor, shut the door behind me, and looked around the tiny place I rented at the Bed-and-Breakfast for the night.

I was out of breath from trekking up the deck stairs that led to the entrance of my room. Sweat beaded my brow, and I unzipped my jacket, cast it aside, and was regretting wearing an extra layer underneath.

But I’d read up when I was researching for this trip that the weather up north could be finicky, especially when I stayed at the isolated cabin in the woods. And I was pretty sure I’d over-prepared with the amount of supplies I’d brought.

Then again, could you really over-prepare anything for my kind of trip? I’d rather take the whole kitchen sink than realize I’d forgotten something.

I landed in Ketchikan just that afternoon and took a ferry to the town where the Bed-and-Breakfast was located. As tired asI should be from the long flights—one from Colorado to Seattle, then another to Ketchikan—I felt pretty energetic.

I walked through the living room, past the kitchenette, and glanced out the window that overlooked the town. There was a bay right below and I smiled as I watched an otter pop its head out before continuing its swim.

From my vantage point, I could see the little shops that lined the streets. There was the main bridge off in the distance where a couple of older men were fishing.

Even though it was August, in this part of the country, the weather was overcast and chilly enough to where I was glad I’d brought my fall clothes. The nights would be colder, but I’d come prepared, even if lugging all that shit had been a pain in the ass while traveling.

The cruise ship was at the port in the distance, and I let my gaze linger on the horizon before turning and taking in the room, pleasantly surprised at how homey and comfortable the space was.

There was the living room and kitchenette, which were combined into one area, and the single bedroom and bathroom were down the hall.

There was only one entrance and exit, the door in front of me leading out the back of the house where there was a deck and hot tub. And then that led off to the stairs that descended to the street. And all around the B&B was a thick, lush, green forest.

I walked over to my first bag, and crouched to open it up. I only pulled out what I’d need for tonight and tomorrow morning because first thing in the morning, I was heading to the cabin, anyway.

Then I went to the rest of my bags—three in total—and double and triple checked the contents inside before zipping it all back up.

One bag alone held all the food I’d need for my time at the cabin, the other one had camping gear like battery operated lanterns, flashlights, and a radio. I also got an outside shower to hang up since there was no running water. Because a cold shower was better than nothing.

I’d been told there were pots and pans at the cabin, as well as a wood-burning stove, and a few bundles of firewood. But I wouldn’t worry over the fact I’d never tried to light a fire in my life.

I ended up bringing non-perishable foods with me. But for the fresh things like fruits and vegetables, milk and eggs and all that, I planned on stopping at the small grocery store I’d seen on the way to the B&B.

Although I was solo on this trip, I packed a hell of a lot, far more than I probably needed, but I’d rather be prepared than screwed.

I rested for a bit and walked into town, where a small restaurant was located. I wasn’t much of a fish person, but I figured when in Rome and all that. So I ordered the local fish and chips and a glass of red wine.

After that, I walked around for a couple of hours, looking at the little gift shops. There was a lot of Russian influence on many of the items I came across, as well as handmade pieces of art being sold.

I made a mental note that when I came back from the cabin in five days, I’d get my souvenirs then.

After wandering around a bit and stopping by the cruise ship that was docked, I headed to the grocery store and started making my way down the aisles. I only got enough food that fit in the basket. But I grabbed two bottles of wine, because… wine.

I checked out, but wasn’t in a hurry to get back to the B&B. Although I was exhausted and my feet hurt from all the walkingI’d done today—not just since I’d been in Ketchikan, but also while traveling—I enjoyed the peaceful surroundings.

Everything here was so easy-going, peaceful, and clean. No smog, no cars honking, no people screaming at each other. There was no chaos, which was something I dealt with daily living in an overpopulated area.

I made my way over the main bridge in town and saw two elderly men leaning against the railing with fishing poles in their hands. They were bickering with each other about the weather, one saying it was perfect for fishing, the other complaining it was too cold for them to bite.

I passed a woman who walked leisurely, her baby wrapped up against her chest as she carried a shopping bag in each hand.