Self Apocalypse: The Beginning Chapter Ten The Decision “For the Lamb which is inthe midst of the throne shallfeed them, and shall lead themunto living fountains of waters:and God shall wipe away alltears from their eyes.”-Revelation 7:17 Snow blanketed land and nearly reached the bottom of the windows on the cabin. There was a crudely built wooden box by the door serving as a freezer for food that was not smoked or dried for preservation. A narrow trail led from the door to the outlook, and another branched from it leading to large stacks of wood partially to completely covered with snow. Another trail led westward leading to the spring which had been dug out several times. It was partly frozen now and ice chunks lay around where it had been cut into over the weeks. The sound of birds no longer filled the air, and had been replaced by howling wind. Inside, the cabin was dimly lit from what little light made its way in during this cloudy winter day. The stove was burning wood at a steady pace and warmed the small cabin to more than comfortable temperature. A good size stack of wood lay next to the woodstove, and a deerskin from the fall’s hunt hung stretched on the wall above the stack. Items lay scattered about the cabin and gave it the look of a well lived in space. Badly woven baskets hung from the log cut rafters containing dried fruit and vegetables. Can goods lined the floor by the table stacked in neat rows. Sitting at the table with a hot cup of water in hand, I slowly sipped wishing I had some coffee. There was only enough for three cups left, and I was holding on to it for as long as I could. I would definitely want to enjoy a cup when spring found its way back. The hot water slowly worked its way down to my stomach as it warmed my body. While trying to enjoy my hot treat I stared at the bearskin that was draped over the other chair. I had run into the bruin while picking crab apples during the fall. Between him and the deer I had shot in front of the cabin one morning, I had acquired more than enough meat to last the entire winter. It was a good thing too, because I didn’t have a winter jacket now. I had lost that when the camper burned, and to tell you the truth, hadn’t even have thought about it until that first real cold morning had settled in. I had a sweater though that I had left at the cabin before all that commotion, and was able to salvage two sweatshirts from the camper. I was also able to recover enough padding from what cushions remained to make a proper mattress. That had made a world of change for me at night, but it was still nothing to go bragging about. The bear’s hide was serving a dual purpose right now. I was using it as an extra blanket and to cover me when I stepped out for wood. I really didn’t have the things needed to make the skin into a coat, but I guess if I had to I could figure something out. The winter had been a long one so far, but it was nearing its end and thoughts of spring flourished in my mind. I had been faced with a very large decision, and would have to make a choice very soon. I had already been making plans of how I was going to go about this if I decided to leave. However, the thought of leaving safety for an unknown place weighed heavy on my mind. I knew there would be dangers and that there was a chance I wouldn’t complete the journey. There was also the chance that I wouldn’t be able to get through another winter here as well. The can goods that helped me this winter wouldn’t be here next year, and there was no guarantee that I would be able to plant a successful garden here. There was also the loneliness that encompassed me here. I yearned to speak with someone, and to not just hear a voice on the radio. In the end it really was worth the risk of leaving my mountain perch. Besides, I’m sure it was only a matter of time before someone stumbled upon my dwelling. Then I would be faced with the reality of having to deal with a person (or persons) that may or may not wish me harm. Faced with that type of situation alone was not a good thought. That old saying “there’s strength in numbers”
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