Just last night, a frosty spell had descended upon the woods, dispelling the lingering miasma that haunted the place throughout the year. The improved visibility was both a blessing and a curse.
On the positive side, with the miasma lifted and the slower air currents of winter, she would be able to endure staying here for a longer period. However, the unfortunate consequence was that she could now clearly see everything within this forest.
Sometimes, seeing too clearly was also a misfortune.
It was no wonder that this patch of woodland was known as the "Dead Forest." An eerie atmosphere perpetually hung over it, accompanied by the circling of crows or vultures overhead. Even the occasional wild rabbit that darted out from the woods had its belly torn open, revealing human bones within.
Just as she mentioned vultures, a massive bald-headed vulture flew overhead, its wingspan of over a meter stirring up a foul and cold wind that rustled the leaves.
In this silent forest, the vulture's screech, the rustling of the leaves, and the chilling wind merged together, sending shivers down her spine even in broad daylight.
Cheyenne had no choice but to quicken her pace, following the direction the vulture was headed, running as she went. Vultures usually fed on corpses, so the presence of a vulture overhead meant that there must be a fresh corpse nearby.
She couldn't help but admit that she was dressed too heavily, running as if she were dragging a 360-pound ball around. It didn't take long for the little one in her belly to protest.
It kicked her.
"Ouch!"
It kicked too hard, and the pain made Cheyenne's face contort in agony. She had to stop her steps, gasping for breath, rubbing her plump belly with one hand. Irritated, she muttered, "Why are you so delicate? I just warmed up... you're so lazy, you must be a little princess."
The baby stopped fussing after her "lesson." Her belly felt much better, and Cheyenne didn't dare to continue running. She resumed walking steadily towards her destination.
After about five to six minutes, she finally caught sight of the vulture she had been following by a small stream.
A man dressed in a black robe lay dead by the water's edge. Judging from his short hair and build, she could preliminarily determine he was a man.
As for whether he was handsome or not, she couldn't tell because the vulture had pecked at his face, leaving it bloodied, and one of his eyeballs had fallen to the ground.
His internal organs had been devoured, leaving only an empty shell of flesh and blood. Even with no movement, the nauseating stench of blood irritated Cheyenne's stomach.
It was too disgusting.
She regretted following this giant bird to this cursed place. She covered her mouth, turning away.
She vomited violently.
Ugh, this was so gross.
Suddenly, she thought cremation would be a good option after death.
Burial in the soil involved worrying about decomposition and pests, while burial at sea might end up as fish food.
She quickly took off her backpack, retrieved a bottle of purified water, and drank a few sips to feel a bit better.
However, something strange happened. When Cheyenne looked over again, the Mr. Bald Vulture, who had just been feasting voraciously, had actually passed away! Could it be that he ate too much and choked?
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: She Became Rich After Divorce (Cheyenne and Kelvin)
Nice story...