Return to Ashwood

The bus rumbled down Main Street, its familiar path leading to the heart of Ashwood. Emilia Grey gazed out the window, her heart swelling with a mix of nostalgia and apprehension. It had been a decade since she last set foot in her hometown, and the memories of her departure felt like distant echoes. At 25, she returned not as the eager teenager who left for college on the East Coast but as a woman seeking refuge from the relentless pace of city life.

The bus came to a halt near Miller’s Café, a place where time seemed frozen. Emilia stepped off, taking in the quaint charm of the town she once knew. Thompson’s Hardware Store still stood proudly, a testament to the enduring spirit of Ashwood. The air was fragrant with the scent of blooming wildflowers and freshly cut grass, transporting Emilia back to simpler times.

As she walked through the familiar streets, a comforting sense of belonging washed over her. It was as if the town itself welcomed her back with open arms. The landmarks triggered a flood of memories—afternoons spent at the town square, evenings at the old library, and countless hours exploring the woods with her childhood friends.

She approached the cottage at the edge of the forest, its quaint exterior bringing tears to her eyes. Her mother had left it for her, a sanctuary amidst the chaos. The memories of their shared moments flooded her mind, bittersweet and poignant. Emilia stood at the gate, taking in the sight of the overgrown garden and the ivy-covered walls. It was exactly as she remembered, yet time had left its mark.

Mr. Thompson, the friendly owner of the hardware store, greeted her warmly. “Emilia! Oh my goodness! Look who we have here!” he exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace her. The warmth of his hug brought a sense of comfort and familiarity.

“Mr. Thompson, it’s so good to see you,” Emilia replied, her voice tinged with emotion.

They exchanged pleasantries, catching up on the years they had been apart. Mr. Thompson handed her the keys to the cottage, left by her mother with instructions. “Your mom wanted to make sure you had these. She said it’s your home now.”

Emilia’s eyes welled up with tears as she thanked him. With the keys in hand, she made her way to the cottage, the place where she would start anew. The path leading to the cottage was lined with wildflowers, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the shadows cast by the setting sun.

As evening approached, the moon began to rise, casting an ethereal glow over the landscape. Emilia felt a strange sensation coursing through her veins, a restlessness building inside her. The wild, untamed spirit within her longed to break free from the confines of her human form.

Inside the cottage, Emilia set down her bags and took a moment to absorb the surroundings. The interior was cozy and rustic, filled with the remnants of her mother's life. Family photos adorned the walls, and the scent of lavender lingered in the air. It was a place of comfort, yet it held an air of mystery.

She wandered into the living room and noticed an old, leather-bound book on the coffee table. Curiosity piqued, she picked it up and realized it was her mother’s journal. As she flipped through the pages, she discovered entries detailing the town's history and peculiar happenings. One entry, in particular, caught her eye—an account of an ancient curse believed to affect the residents of Ashwood.

Emilia's curiosity deepened as she read about strange occurrences tied to the full moon. Her mother’s words hinted at secrets hidden beneath the town’s serene surface. Intrigued and slightly unnerved, Emilia resolved to uncover the truth.

As the night grew darker, she stepped outside to breathe in the crisp air. The moonlight bathed the landscape in a silvery glow, casting long shadows across the garden. Emilia felt a connection to the land, a pull that seemed to resonate with her very being.

She closed her eyes, allowing the tranquility of the night to wash over her. But as she stood there, a sudden surge of energy coursed through her body. Her senses heightened, and she felt an inexplicable urge to run, to embrace the wildness within her.

Confused and exhilarated, Emilia tried to shake off the feeling. She chalked it up to the emotions of returning home after so many years. Little did she know that tonight would mark the beginning of a journey that would change her life forever. The transformation was just beginning, and with it, the unraveling of ancient secrets and a destiny intertwined with the mysteries of Ashwood.