R.E.M.: The Hidden World Read Free Page A

revenge.  It came swiftly, for as she scrambled back to her feet, her skull met it with incredible force.  It knocked her back onto the stone-hard ground surrounding the tree. 
    Despite the pain, she was reminded of all the reasons why this had become her favorite hiding place.  Looking around, she felt the wind’s comforting embrace as it gently swept around her.  Behind her, the beautifully opposing tree flailed its branches wildly in response.  A victim to the wind’s command, its inner core creaked with distaste.  Only the dirt surrounding her remained motionless, rigid, like an old sailor who had seen too many stormy nights. 
    Outside the ring of dirt rested a never-ending oasis of moist, sometimes comical, grass.  The luscious greenery was now torturing her with thoughts of landing on it, rather than the gritty surface.  Her nose was tickled by the delicate scent of new-born, spring flowers sporadically covering the landscape. 
    Though the natural wonders made the location breathtaking, the view surpassed them all.  Its splendor was most appreciated from the oak’s peak, precisely where Renee had attempted to orient herself before her fall.  The town rolled over the landscape like the notes of a symphony, each one somewhat dull, yet when combined, they created a beautiful sound that echoed across the vista. 
    Renee’s trance was broken by th e sight of a woman approaching.  She identified the figure immediately as her mother.  The woman’s soft voice started out faint from a distance, dripping with a comical sarcasm.  "Oh, Renee, when are you ever going to learn?"
    Renee’s mother was not a complicated woman and her clothes demonstrated it.  They consisted of a simple cream dres s laced with pale, pink flowers, and a pair of light sandals.  However, there was a casual elegance about her; maybe it was her smile.  She always humbly denied it, but she had the most beautiful smile.  Part of its marvel was her timing, as she always knew just when to display those pearly whites.  This was often useful during her Tuesday ‘girls’ night,’ more commonly known as gossip night.  Though she rarely engaged in the other women’s rumors, she always knew whether something was just silly or intently hurtful.  Because of this ability, lying to her was impossible.  It was something Renee had attempted and failed at many times. 
    As Renee finally pushed herself off the ground, she knew her mother wasn’t here because of another futile endeavor of deceit.  No, today was Sunday and she knew exactly what that meant.  It was another opportunity for her father to torture her with his weapon of choice; hymns.  Renee’s mother, Merlot, was nearly by her side, and she felt the need to justify her delay.  "I'm sorry mom, I saw you coming and I was trying to hurry but..."
    "It’s ok, I’m just glad you didn’t break anything.” A light chuckle slipped from her delicate lips.  Maintaining her demeanor, Merlot’s tone adopted a more solemn ring.  “Come on though…you know how your father is about being late."
    Rolling her eyes, Renee agreed.  “Yeah, I know.”  She then proceeded to follow her mother’s lead down the hill, away from her beloved spot.  Glancing back, she felt as though she was leaving hope behind.  She felt this way every time she walked away.  The vision here always granted her far more faith in the possibility of a higher power than any church ever could. 
    Drawing her attention back to the front, Renee saw the dreaded old 1976 pick-up now less than fifteen feet away.  Its once-red color displayed the many years of rain, sleet, and snow in the form of multiple rust patches.  Her mother had once teased, calling them the liver spots of the truck world. 
    They had approached the ancient truck in silence and Renee hesitantly opened its door.  She paused, clinging to the worn handle before slowly climbing in.  She desperately wished she could somehow delay the torture