Declutter | Escape Artist

 Foreword

The seventh short shorty for Declutter has arrived! This particular one is an idea that's been floating around my head for quite sometime. Ever since I connected with my online community and was discovering all the different forms of artistic expression we had, I day dreamed about the idea of a group of friends traveling cross country to finally meet and how each one view the world through a slightly different artistic lens. Escape Artist is not that particular story, but the main core idea transformed into what I present to you below. It's also partially a true story, based on how I survived some of the rougher parts of public school by hiding inside the fantastical world of books, video games and anime. Art can be a healthy escape from daily turmoil that we all experience. Emphasis on can, since escape is no substitute for actually addressing the issues that plague society. The importance of art is something I will defend, because that escape enables us the ability to view the ideal worlds worth fighting for. Which, is not to say I think that highly of my work - but you understand my meaning. Escape Artist will more than likely be a universe I revisit whenever I decided to work on additional volumes of Declutter. But for now - enjoy what I have written for you. 

Escape Artist

I take several deep breaths to try and calm my nerves. Keep the tears held back, at least until I can get these beat up shoes on. My left foot slides in easily enough, even though my mom's screaming painfully rings in my ear. I struggle to get the right shoe on, my father's shouts tensing my nerves and chilling me to the core. His voice always had that power. He always had authority over me and could rock me to my core. Had he noticed my escape attempt, he no doubt would be able to order me to stay. Thankfully, my parents were far too busy yelling at each other to notice me walking out the backdoor.

I adjusted the backpack hanging from my shoulders and took another deep breath. I was alone now, even though I could still hear their petty argument. Alone. Safe enough to let the tears stream down my cheeks. I have never gotten used to seeing both of my parents fight like this. I love them both. I know they love me. But I just can't handle all the noise anymore. With a few sniffles, I attempt to dry my eyes and walk out into the backyard.

The high sun warmed my skin, though it was pleasantly cool in the shade of the tall trees that surrounded the neighborhood. I moved towards the fence at the end of the backyard and away from the yelling. Even being a good thirty yards from the back door, I could still hear the god-awful noise. I reached the wooden fence and carefully climbed over it, navigating around the metal wire propped against it. My feet thudded against the earthy ground of my neighbor's garden. I gingerly moved over the upturn earth, trying my best to not undo whatever hard work they had accomplished. I, as politely as I could, walked through their yard towards another neighbor's fence. Another hop over and now I was in between two tall picket fences. The two homes left just enough gaps between their barriers that someone could walk single file through it.

My brother and his friends showed me this path. We were chasing rabbits, as we often did during the summer. We wanted so desperately to just pet one and feel it's softness. Of course, we were never fast enough to actually grab one. I remember feeling like a spy or a ninja when we first navigated between these fences. Now I felt like some kind of fugitive. My nerves were a touch less anxious. The sounds of fighting were starting to fade and my mind preoccupied itself with the mission of getting to the hideout. I came to the end of the alleyway and exited into someone's backyard. Their yard had a steep incline, only straightening out right at the top of the hill. I looked cautiously to my left at the house across the street. Last time we made this journey, an older woman came out and shouted at our group. It didn't appear anyone was home, so I shouldn't have to subject my ears to that grating noise again.

I reached the end of the walk way and was greeted by another fence, similar to the one I had at home. There were two long logs being held up by a few support pillars. Tied against these logs were metal wire, however at the bottom, you could clearly see a gap that you could crawl through. My brother's group may or may not have been responsible for the bend in the metal and the slightly dug out burrow underneath it. I took off my bookbag and shoved it through the metal frame, being careful not to cut the fabric. I then dropped to my knees and army crawled my skinny frame under the fence. I could feel the metal scratch my back a little, but nothing serious enough to break the skin. I stood up, put my backpack on, and stared in the direction of my home. I wonder if they even know I left.

A ping of doubt shot through my body. Is this a good idea? Am I going to get in trouble? I'm not really running away from home. I'm just leaving without permission. I don't need permission to play outside. That's all I'm doing. I'm playing with my imagination. Another deep sigh and I turned away from home and walked into the dense woods we lived next to. Of course, I've been in these woods plenty of times. Often enough to know my way around and how to not get lost. Besides, it's not like the woods are that big. Even if I got lost, I know someone would easily find me. I walked along an overgrown path, my brain doing it's best to distract itself from what was happening.

Eventually, I came to the bottom of a cliff face. A wall of packed dirt and tree roots stood between me and my safe haven. I looked up and down the barrier, searching for the best foot and hand holds. I closed my eyes for a few seconds before taking a deep breath. With a head nod, I approached the wall, reaching out for a low protruding root. I gripped my hand around the wood, shoving my fingers through a small opening between it and the dirt wall. I gave it a hearty tug, testing it's strength. Confident that the tree's lower limb could hold my weight, I placed my foot onto a lower root rung and proceeded to stand up. It took me only about a minute to scale the cliff face, the wall of soil being only about double my height. When I reached the top, I allowed myself to take a breather. I laid on my back in the cool grass, staring at the beams of sunlight that gracefully danced between each green leaf.

It's quiet here. I don't hear any cars driving by. I don't hear anyone talking... or shouting. All I hear is the sound of flowing water from a nearby creek and the gentle chirping of some insect. I wouldn't mind staying here, with all this quiet nature surrounding me. I can't though. If I stay here, it would only be a matter of time before Dad would find me. This is the farthest point I was able to show him before his stupid phone started ringing again. This would probably be the first place they would look for me, so I have to go deeper in. With another deep breath, I rolled onto my side and got myself standing.

I eventually walked through a line of trees and came to a clearing. I stood atop of a hill that over looked a steep drop. It was almost like an asteroid fell from the sky and made a huge hole in the earth. In the middle of the crater was a lone oak tree that must have been here since the beginning of time. The tree reached high into the sky, towering over me and much larger than my home. This tree, more accurately the tree house that was built among it's branches, was my destination. Memories of my brother and our friends first discovering this place came rushing back. None of us knew who built it and none of us dared to tell anyone about it. It was our hidden base. Our home away from home.

There was only one way to get into the tree house, and I was struggling to find my courage to use it. I paced back and forth for a moment, eyeing the rope that was dangling between me and the base platform. I've seen my brother and my friends use this dumb thing plenty of times before, so it has to be safe but... I closed my eyes for a few seconds, trying to calm my nerves and slow my breathing. It was a simple choice. I can't stay outside, who knows what kind of animals are lurking in these woods at night. So either I make this jump or I go back home to face another day of hearing Mom and Dad fight. I gulped down what remained of my fear.

There was a second rope that was tied to the swing. This second rope was fasted to a tree trunk and allowed me to pull the dangling thread closer to the top of the hillside. As soon as I got my hands on the swing, I untied the secondary rope. I took a few, quick, shallow breaths before running forward, tucking my legs up and bear hugging the rope with all my might. I closed my eyes at first, scared of what kind of heights I was soaring above. I then flung them open, realizing I have to see the platform in order to plant my feet on it. When my vision returned to me, I saw the grass and dirt a hundred feet below. I must've been moving a hundred miles an hour and could feel my heart sink into the bottom of my stomach. It wasn't long before the rushing earth beneath me was replaced with weather treated planks. I gasped when I realized I was at my destination. I hesitated a moment and could feel myself start moving back towards the cliff side. I stuck my legs out and let go of the rope.

My feet found the wooden planks of the platform, but the momentum of swinging backwards caused to me to lose my balance. I fell over, turning so that I would land on my side instead of my back. My body made a loud thud as it landed and I couldn't help but groan, feeling as though a fist sprouted from the plank and socked me in the ribs. I composed myself for a moment, looking up and noticing that I was only about a foot or two from the edge of the planks. With a sharp inhale, I brought myself to my knees before sitting back, farther from my impending doom. A bit of movement caught my eye and I glanced up at the rope swinging back and forth between me and the hillside. My heart sunk once again and I could feel the color drain from my face. The rope hung far away from the platform and I had no way of pulling it in closer to me.

For several minutes, I sat and stared at the rope. Ideas flooded my brain. Am I trapped here now? Is this where I live now? That's what I wanted, isn't it? Is there food here? What about all my stuff at home? Did I bring enough things with me? Okay. Deep breath. Relax. I should check out the rest of the tree house. I have no idea what my brother and the others might have left here. I gave myself a quick hug before standing up and looking around the platform. The only path up to the tree house proper was a set of stairs behind the tree itself. A short walk over brought me to the steps. I circled around the tree, my hand gently gliding across a wooden railing. I came to the front of the tree house and peered in through a window. I was looking into a living room area. There was a table in the middle of the room with several chairs placed around it. I could see a few bookshelves placed against the wall as well. I walked further along the front of the building, passing by the front door and peering into a second building. This one gave me a view of a bedroom. More shelving and another table decorated this room, along with a child size bed. I then turned around and noticed how high up I truly was. I could see clearly over the tops of trees that sat on the hillside. I approached the railing, my heartbeat quickening. I looked down and saw the limb that the rope was tied to. I could see the limb bounce up and down as the rope still swung back and forth.

Another deep breath brought me back to the now. I spun around and headed towards the front door of the tree house. I twisted the nob and pushed against the door and almost walked straight into it. I sighed at my stupidity and pulled on the door instead, easily swinging it open and allowing myself access to my new home. The house only consisted of the living area and the bedroom. I slung my bookbag off my shoulders and sat it down next to a lawn chair in the sitting area. I then walked over to the bedroom. The shelves were mostly bare in here, save for a few cool rocks that were found somewhere in the surrounding woods. I noticed a few that looked like arrowheads, but they may have just been fun shaped rocks. I then walked over to the bed, which had a single pillow that looked rather deflated. I sat on the red blankets and laid my head down. I couldn't help but notice how different it felt and smelled compared to my bed at home. This bedding has probably never been washed, which only grossed me out slightly. It was firm, much firmer than my mattress. It was different, but certainly usable. It kind of reminded me of a hotel bed. It would take a night or two to get used to it, but I'm sure I'd eventually find it comfortable.

I sat up and walked back into the living area. The chairs that were placed around a large hunk of wood were all store bought lawn chairs. I sat down in the one closest to my bookbag. The chair was comfortable and reminded me of the ones we had at home. It almost felt like I was at camp again, sitting in a wooded area without any electronics. The only thing missing was my family, thankfully. Here I wouldn't have to listen to the senseless bickering or deal with any of the drama that they all carried with them. Here, it was just me and the books that I brought with me. I picked my bag off the floor and placed it in my lap. Unzipping the main compartment, I was greeted with all the things I brought with me. I took out a juice pouch, tearing off the straw that was tapped to it and stabbing through the thin plastic. I drank graciously from the cherry flavored drink, downing the entirety of it in a matter of seconds. I tossed the now empty pouch on the makeshift table before unpacking more of my things.

In total, I had brought six juice pouches, five granola bars, five books, two bags of potato chips and a package of mini donuts. I had brought everything out of my bag and stored my things on the shelf that sat in the corner. I then returned to my seat, a juice pouch and a book in hand. The book was one that I had already started reading. It was about a girl who became a hero to the Kingdom of Amhran. The Queen had her voice stolen by an evil witch doctor. The girl, Lisa, was an adventurer who had traveled to Amhran in search of a magic seed. The seed, when buried in special soil from Lisa's home, could grow a magic tree that could be used to teleport anywhere in the world. I had just finished reading about the part where Lisa had arrived in the Castle Town and was accused of being an accomplice of the witch doctor, since they both had the same accent. Lisa was thrown in the dungeon and was waiting to be put in front of the Queen so that she could face the crown's justice. Any time I had tried to read the book, I would get interrupted by either Mom and Dad fighting or school. Now I had nothing to distract me from my story.

I didn't even make it an entire paragraph before the universe decided I wasn't meant to read this book. A loud crack of lightning brought me out of Lisa's world and back into my own. I glanced up at the window and just now noticed how dark and grey the skies had become. Thunder rolled through the air and right into my core. I shivered from the force of the shock wave. I stood up and approached the window. I could see all the trees below me swaying violently from the force of the wind. The front door of the tree house blew open and smacked loudly against the side of the wood before being blown shut again. I let out a startled yelp before rushing over to the door. I found a latch and did my best to lock and fasten the door. Another crack of lightning flashed brightly, blinding me for a few seconds before the loudest boom I had ever heard exploded out. I could hear trees cracking and falling and the pitter patter of rain soon chased after it. I rushed back over to the window once my vision had returned to me and I nearly screamed. From my vantage point, I should have been able to see the branch with the rope tied to it. All that remained was a burnt tree limb that was significantly shorter than what I remembered. And the rope was nowhere to be found. Another bright flash of lightning blinded me for a few seconds as another roll of thunder caused my body to shake. I quickly grabbed my things off the shelf and haphazardly shoved them into my bookbag. I then made my way for the bedroom, taking the blanket and pillow off the bed and sliding underneath the wooden frame and the mattress. I wrapped the blanket around my body and the pillow around my head. I hugged my bookbag and let out a loud scream and allowed tears to fall generously from my eyes. I had no choice... I had to wait out the storm and just hope and pray that none of the lightning bolts struck the tree that I was in.

I had no way of knowing how much time had past. I must've fallen asleep at some point, because I found myself slowing opening my eyes to a quiet evening. I could hear some birds softly chirping in the distance, which told me that the storm must've passed. I remained still underneath the bed, unwilling to go see for myself. I knew I was safe under here. I was hidden, under cover, shielded... There was a part of me that just wanted to stay under this bed forever. I tightly gripped my bag one more time, summoning the strength to leave my shelter.

“Okay...” I muttered to myself. “Okay.” I pushed my bag forward, sliding it out from under the mattress. I then crawled after it, propping myself on my knees once I had the clearance. I looked around my new home and was surprised to see everything was still in order. I thought the storm would've at least knocked a few things off their shelves but... the only thing that was in disarray was the bed. I stood up and took a deep breath. I needed to check outside and see what kind of damage the storm did to the surrounding area.

I summoned all my courage and tried to push the door to the outside open, once again nearly smacking my nose into the wooden barrier. I rubbed my face and gave a few, quick frustrated breaths. I forcibly pulled the door wide open and strutted out onto the balcony in front of me. I only took three steps before I paused mid-stride. What I saw both shocked and confused me beyond anything I had ever felt before.

The green foliage that blanketed the tree tops was replaced with unnatural pastel colors. Greens, pinks, blues... it looked someone dropped an Easter egg bomb onto the forest. I then took note of the star filled sky. I could clearly see bright dots decorating the evening sky, along with a bright, pink sun. Spinning to get a better look at the sky told me that the tree I was standing in still appeared to be the same oak tree. The dark green forest colors still painted it's leaves. Rising behind my fortress was a pale blue moon that appeared to be at least five times the size I was used to. I could feel my heartbeat quicken and my breath grow shallow. I snapped around and jogged over to the railing and peered down to the forest below, hoping that the Earth below still looked like the Earth. It didn't. The hilly crater that my tree house sat in was replaced with even ground littered with an expansive flower bed. More pastel yellows and oranges painted the plants and amidst their stems and petals I could see tiny people floating about. The tiny people, from what I could guess, were not much taller than four or five inches. They looked to be large insects but distinctly had human like features. They had wings similar to a beetle's – paper thin and almost fleshy in appearance. I could see them zipping about, almost like they were bouncing from flower to flower to, I would assume, collect pollen.

My observations were cut short as I noticed much larger creatures moving in from the tree line. I crouched down, hiding behind the railing as best I could while also being able to see who was coming forward. I saw a girl who appeared to be a regular person. She had long, flowing red hair and wore a dark blue garb. Her clothes appeared to be made out of normal materials, excluding the dark brown vest that was made of some kind of hard leather. The vest sat atop a long sleeve, collared shirt. Her pants appeared to be ordinary jeans and her shoes regular hiking boots. I couldn't help but think that she looked rather familiar. I then felt my heart sink when I noticed both the sword at her hip and her traveling companion. Walking next to the woman was a large, pig man. The creature walked on two legs and had limbs like humans. He was wearing heavy steel colored plates over his torso and a studded, dark green skirt. He was easily twice the girl's size and was holding a huge claymore in his left hand. His dark black mop of hair ran a couple feet down his back.

“See?” the Pig Man spoke. “I told you it was here!” He gestured towards the tree and I dropped down onto my stomach as quickly as I could. I attempted to crawl backwards out of view.

“I believe it's really the one once I'm standing inside it,” the woman responded. “Think the Fae will let us waltz up to it?” Fae? As in Faerie? Was she referring to the insects I saw in the flower bed?

“Only one way to find out, Master,” the Pig Man said confidently. I could hear him walking closer, his heavy feet rustling the overgrown grass. “Children of Sirona! We bid you good Craic!” Good Crack? What in the world is he talking about? I couldn't linger on the question long as the sound of buzzing below me stopped, no doubt all the Fae were now paying attention to the two large visitors. “My name is Clay, the King of Pigs! My companion is Lisa Wailsong! We request passage to the tree in the middle of your flower bed!”

Lisa Wailsong? No... I must have misheard him. But... blue clothes and red hair... Could she really be that Lisa? My thoughts were taken from me as the sound of insect wings grew thunderous, no doubt the creatures were approaching the two strangers. Things grew quiet for a moment, the Fae probably now up close to the strangers. My curiosity started to get the better of me. I brought myself to a kneeling position, seeing just beyond the boards enough to spot the self-proclaimed Pig King, apparently, conversing with the insects. His chops were opening and closing but I couldn't hear what he was saying. Was he whispering? That would make sense I suppose. Such tiny bodies probably need quieter voices. My vision moved over slightly and I made eye contact with the woman. I fell back down into a prone position, but not before noticing the sly smile creep along her ruby lips.

Okay... she definitely saw you, idiot. Maybe I could go back inside and hide somewhere? Make her think she was seeing things?

“You up there!” I guess that axes that idea. “We both know I saw you!” What do I do? Do I stay hidden or do I make myself known? If she is the Lisa from my book, then she's virtuous and wouldn't hurt an innocent person. But she can't be the Lisa from my book. That's just fiction. “Come on out here! Let us see you!” I stayed still. Could I trust her? Stranger danger and all, right? Especially when the strangers have swords.

“Tree Dweller! My Master gave you a command! I suggest you heed it!” Clay shouted out in a voice that made my heart shiver. I took a deep breath. I guess I don't have anywhere to run or hide. I stood up and slowly walked over to the railing, peering down at the strangers and Faeries. The Fae flew off from the strangers and up towards me, zipping up the tree in a flash. I jumped back when a group of five landed on the railing in front of me. Seeing the Fae more closely now, I could clearly see their elf-like features. Pointed noses and ears, freckles dotting their faces, and their eyes matching the pastel landscape I found myself in. Their hair was long and flowing in locks of both gold and brown.

A female Fae stepped closer to me, hands on her hips and the stern look of a mother about her face. She spoke to me in a language that sounded like Gaelic. I didn't understand her whispers, but coming from an Irish family who's mother was a first generation Irish-American I could at least recognize the Celtic similarities. I looked at her awkwardly once she had finished whispering and gave a confused shrug. The motherly Faerie sighed before looking to her right at one of her companions. She gestured behind her, towards the Pig King. The Fae took off, flying down towards Clay and landing on his armored shoulder.

“I'm guessing you don't understand Faelish?” Clay shouted out towards me. My lips moved but I couldn't produce any sound. I gave a hearty head shake, which Clay nodded to. “Ophelia is asking who you are and how you got here! Something we are wondering as well!”

“I...” I choked out, looking down at the Fae identified as Ophelia. I started to shake, the fear of mystery and of the strange beginning to quiver through my body. My breath started to quicken and I could feel tears begin to well up in my eyes. I spun around as quickly as I could and ran towards the door, pushing the door wide open and slamming it shut behind me. I think I heard Clay shout out to me but I couldn't be sure. My eyes were stinging with hot tears and my ears refused to hear anything other than my racing heart. I made for the bedroom, sliding onto my knees and rolling under the bed. I hugged myself and faced the wall. I mentally begged whatever forces that brought me here to let me go home. Or if this happened to be a dream, to please allow me to wake up at home in my own bed. Tears continuously flow and I began to sob. I didn't hear the door creek open, so when I felt a tiny hand press against my back, I nearly jumped. I carefully and slowly rolled over on to my other side, so that I could peer at the being who laid a comforting hand on me.

I saw Ophelia floating in front of me. I wipe a few painful tears from my eyes and could see the comforting look in her motherly eyes. She flew backwards a few feet and landed on the wooden floor. . She held her arms out and gestured for me to crawl out. I struggled to trust her and my fear prevented me from moving out from under the bed. I simply shook my head and held myself closer.

“Safe.” She spoke. “Promise. Safe.” She was trying to reassure me, best as she could without knowing my language. “Won't hurt. Won't let hurt.” She must have been referring to the strangers standing outside. I suppose I should take comfort in that. She seemed to be the leader of the Faeries here, so I did have safety in numbers should the two below be my enemies. I took a deep gulp and shimmied closer to her. She hopped further back and made way for me. I was out from my hiding place and sat on the floor, my back to the bed. She floated up so that she was eye level with me. “Safe.” She repeated. I wiped the remaining tears from my eyes and nodded my head, allowing myself to trust the Faerie mother. She gave a comforting smile before looking towards the door. “Wait.” She commanded. Ophelia then took off, zipping towards the door and back outside.

I imagined she was talking to the strangers below. I did as she said and waited... for a time. My curiosity once again began to take over me and I took a deep breath. I have strength in numbers. There's a lot of Faeries out there and I'm sure they have some kind of magic at their disposal. I can... probably trust Ophelia. I pushed myself onto my feet and slowly inched my way closer to the door. I soon found myself outside and could see a group of Faeries keeping guard on the railing. Their backs were to me and looking pass them I could see the strangers talking with the Fae. Clay noticed me standing behind my tiny guardsmen first and elbow bumped Lisa to take a look as well. Ophelia turned from her guests and flew back up towards me.

“Safe.” She repeated again. “Won't hurt.” She motioned towards the strangers below.

“Okay...” I said quietly with a head nod, deciding to place my trust in this tiny woman.

“Won't hurt. Want talk.” I gave her a head nod, understanding. Lisa and Clay didn't mean me any harm and just wanted to talk with me. “With you. Protect.” Ophelia would stay with me and she would protect me.

“Okay,” I said, a little louder this time. “With me?”

“Promise. With you. Promise,” She reassured. I gave a head nod and Ophelia gave another smile. She took off, flying down towards the strangers once more. I couldn't hear what she was saying to the adventurers but knew she was discussing terms with them. The two strangers exchanged glances. Clay let out a visible sigh while Lisa remained stoic. She unsheathed her sword and for a moment I thought things were about to turn south. My spirits were lifted when she dug the tip of her blade into the ground in front of her. Clay followed suit, driving the point of his huge claymore into the soil. Ophelia zipped back up to me while Clay and Lisa began to make headway towards the tree. Despite the constant pounding of fear in my heart, I could feel a few flutters of excitement begin in the depths of my stomach.

Backword

Thanks for reading, folks! Hopefully you enjoyed what I presented. As I stated early, there are only three more short stories planned before Declutter is fully written. After that, I'll have to subject myself to the real world of writing critique. But until then, let me know what you folks either through my socials, the comment section below or mailing sign up list - which will give you free notifications every time I release content! Thanks, once again, for reading! I hope to write for you again soon. 

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