Winter Secrets – Kat

I shuddered. It was mercilessly cold yet I couldn't bring myself to walk away from the view in front of me. The endless stretch of lifeless land, covered in a blanket of white. It was strangely soothing. For a brief second, I wondered if I had frozen, just like the withered rose that was partially covered in snow. I sighed, forming a small mist in front of my face. Reluctantly, I turned away, pacing back to the road.

For about two hours, 12 cars zoomed passed me. I still have no recollections of my past. I only knew my name. It's strange. I woke up and found myself in a forest. I didn't know anything except the fact that my name was Keith Urban. And now, my futile efforts to grab attention of drivers led me to assume that I was invisible. I walked by the side of the road, stopping every time I hear vehicles nearby.

'Excuse me?' soft female voice called out to me.

A lady with short brown hair framing her face stood in font of me. She looked puzzled for a moment but regained her composure and smiled. I wanted to say something but I just stood there, speechless. Who was she? Why was she walking alone in a deserted place like this? Did she lose her memory too?

'Hi, my name's Heather Seville. You must be awfully confused right now but don't worry. I'll explain everything to you. Just follow me,' the lady said cheerfully.

'Follow you? But you don't have a car,' I said, confused.

Heather looked bemused, as if my response was one that a kid would say. A giggle escaped her lips but she immediately stop when she caught me staring at her.

'I'm sorry. I shouldn't have laughed at you. Let me explain. You are dead.'

I blinked as she finished her sentence. I was dead?

'When a person dies due to unnatural causes, their souls never make it to the Light. Therefore, they wander about, usually without any memory.'

'So you're saying that I'm dead because someone killed me?' I questioned, still confused.

'Yes,' she said solemnly. 'But don't worry too much. There are others like us too. I'll introduce them to you,' she offered me her hands.

I took them without much hesitation. As soon as I did, I notice that my feet were lifted off the ground. It was frightening yet at the same time beautiful. It wasn't until Heather spoke that I noticed that I was flying without her help.

'Here we are. I know it's not exactly 'home sweet home' but you'll get used to it,' she said with a soft laugh.

My eyes gave the place a quick scan. It was a large building that looked like it's been abandoned for several years. Yet, the place had an air of comfort to it. As I stepped inside the building, I realized that the abandoned look was only a disguise. The interior was beautifully decorated. It was a mini version of a palace, with beautiful priceless-looking ornaments as decors.