He pointed to the forest, but I couldn’t understand most of what he said. But I feel like I got the gist of it, as if he were… warning me? Maybe he was talking about wolves? Bears? Other wild animals that lurked in the dark, deep in the woods? A shiver wracked through me.
But I didn’t think too much about any of that. It wouldn't do me any good. Instead, I shifted into the center seat and stared out the front window. I had my hands braced on the seat on either side of me, this car so old that the lack of seatbelts should’ve been horrifying, but instead, it transported me back to another time when people said “fuck you” to safety regulations.
The little town of Dobravina, Romania, came into view, and I actually sucked in a breath at how gorgeous the village was. Definitely transported back in time.
Nestled between the thick jut of trees that sprouted from the ground, it seemed quaint but mystical. When I’d been searching for places to stay, I knew I wanted to be somewhere east in Europe. I didn’t know why I felt that pull, but it had been there, incessant, and there was no swaying my decision.
Maybe it was my curiosity and fascination with folklore, vampires and werewolves, demons and all those mythical things. And although I knew they were just stories, the very idea of being at the heart of where some of those tales originated seemed wildly interesting to me.
And here I was. In Dobravina, Romania.
The roads seemed to be made of cobblestone, and what was so strange was I already felt so... at ease. It was weird and exhilarating, and for the first time since I decided to take this life-altering trip, I really felt like this was the very best idea.
The little car bumped along, and I braced one hand on the door and another on the roof so I didn’t crash against the top of the vehicle. After a minute, the driver slowed to a snail’s crawl, and I relaxed once more, looking at the little shops that lined either side of me, staring at the people walking up and down the sidewalks, bags in their hands, older women wearing what I assumed was traditional-style clothing for this area. The younger generation was in typical jeans and T-shirts, the kids laughing and shouting at each other as they chased one another.
It was only another five minutes before the car pulled up beside the tiny cottage-like house. And when I said cottage, I meant just that. This house could’ve been a prototype for some fairy tale set in the middle of an enchanted forest.
Although small and clearly aged, it looked quaint and comfortable. The pictures online hadn’t done it justice. Off to the side, I could see a garden, the tiny homes all around it holding the same charm.
After I paid the driver and thanked him, although I probably butchered the hell out of my translation, I stood there with my backpack slung over my shoulder and my duffel in my hand. I looked around, not sure if I should call the number that had been listed for the rental, but before I could think about it too much, a young man and an elderly woman came out the front door from the home directly beside the one I rented.
The young man lifted his hand and waved as he helped who I presumed must be his grandmother toward me.
“Mikalina?”
“Yes, but just Mika is fine.”
He inclined his head and smiled. “I’m Andrei.” His accent was thick and richly Eastern European. “This is my grandmother Mininya, although everyone calls her Mini. She’s the owner of the cottage and lives right next door. She doesn’t speak English, so I handle all the details of the rental, and the postings on the internet. You and I were communicating online.”
Despite his accent, his English was impeccable. I smiled and offered my hand. After we shook, he started speaking with his grandmother. Mini was speaking quickly in her native language, but her focus was eerily trained right on me the entire time. She eyed me with intelligent eyes, then said something in a tone that suggested whatever agreement she’d come to, that was that and nothing would sway her. She gestured toward the house.
“Shall we go inside and look around?” Andrei asked and smiled but didn’t give me a chance to respond as he led us toward the small house.
Mini started going on again, and he responded in an exasperated tone but nodded as if he knew he lost whatever fight was going on with the older woman.
“Is she okay? With this?” I tacked on that last bit, feeling as if maybe she didn’t approve of me.
He waved off my concern and shook his head. “She’s rambling on about nonsense. She’s very happy you’re here, I assure you.”
Once inside, I was shown around to the quaint, intimately confined space. The living room and kitchen were all one room with traditional folk accents throughout, bright colors and designs that made me feel like I was transported back in time. The bedroom was to the back, the bed tiny with a white lace bedspread. Andrei told me his grandmother wanted me to specifically know she quilted it when she was but fifteen years old.
Before I could comment on the beauty of it, she was speaking quickly again and pointing to things in the home, which Andrei translated just as fast.
The bathroom was small, the tub and toilet looking ancient. But it had hot running water, so I couldn’t complain.
Finally, they showed me the backyard, and I actually gasped at the beauty of it. The small garden I’d seen in the front yard was only the tip of the iceberg. The garden extended all the way to the rear, even coexisting into Mini’s yard. There were fruit trees and an array of vegetables, and sprinkled through all of this were beautifully colored flowers. It was quite a scene.
We made our way back to the front, where Mini started speaking again, her tone hard and unyielding. It was clear she got what she wanted, set in her ways, and I couldn’t fault her for that. I looked at Andrei when she was finished, expectant on what he’d say as he translated her words.
He nodded and relayed in Romanian before turning to me once more. “My grandmother wants me to ask if you’d join us for dinner tonight.” His accent was thick and his smile was friendly. “But don’t feel obligated. Your trip has been long, and she’d understand if you decline.”
Although looking at his grandmother told me she probably would take offense. I was tired, but I didn’t want to start things off on the wrong foot, so to speak.
“Um,” I murmured as I looked between them. “Sure.” I returned the smile. I faced Mini and told her “thank you” in her native tongue. She gave me a hint of a smile, as if pleased I replied in her language. Although I was pretty sure I butchered it with my accent.
After they left, I made my way back inside the cottage, my bags by the front door where Andrei had set them when he led me inside. Then I just stood there and looked around. I had to call my mother and let her know I got here safely, our video chats happening every few days so she knew I was still alive. I’d have to see if there was a place in town, or in a larger town close by, that had Wi-Fi, since it was clear there was none in Dobravina.
Then I’d have to see how my finances were faring. I didn’t know how long I planned on staying here, but as I stood in the cottage—or more accurately, when I entered the village—I felt strangely... at home.
Comfortable and at ease in a foreign land.
I really had lost my mind.
4
Ren
I sat in the leather recliner before the fire, a glass of bourbon in my hand, my focus on the flames. Another night alone. Another night staring into these flames until I got so fucking drunk I stumbled to my room before passing out.