Chapter - 2

[NB - Read the previous chapter well to understand the series.]

We got out of the car and sat on a bench along the road. The driver removed two cigarettes from the cigarette packet and a lighter from his pants pocket. He offered me a cigarette which I declined politely. He lit a cigarette and puffed out smoke a couple of times. He asked, "Well.. Sir!, Why did you come to this hotel?" I said I came here to visit. I'm a writer. He said, "Very well, Sir." He said, "It's been a very dry weather." It's getting very dry. But, the shade under this tree is very cool. I agreed with him. He asked me, "How long will you spend at this hotel?" I said, "I'll be here for three days." He said, "It's great. You'll definitely enjoy all the amenities of the hotel."

Gradually black clouds appeared in the sky. The cold wind blew. The driver said let's go this time. It's too late. It may rain. This time we got in the car. The driver steered us forward gently. I asked the driver about his family. He remained silent. There was sadness in his eyes. I asked again. Tears welled up in his eyes. This time he said I had no one. Since childhood, my family only explains this taxi. From day one, this car owner was everything to me. He gave it to me when he died. As he spoke, he burst into tears. I comforted him and asked him to calm down. After driving about 7 to 8 kilometres, we stopped at a small restaurant. I said let's both have something to eat. He gave me a flat refusal. But, I requested him to eat. We both had a full meal there. This time we took some snacks and bread and set off. The car was speeding on the United States Highway 2. "After another 28 hours drive, we can reach the destination", he said. He again said, "We've to stay at a hotel at night." I said, "Alright...".

After a long journey, we spent the night at the 'The Big Fish Supper Club and Resort'. In the morning we were refreshed and we had breakfast and left for the destination. From time to time he would put music in the car to keep me from getting bored. I thoroughly enjoyed Canadian music. It was a lot of fun. The driver introduced me to the forests, mountains, famous restaurants, main offices and famous hotels on the side of the road. The car was moving fast on the Trans-Canada Highway. In the midst of all this, I address the driver as a brother. But, I forgot to ask his name. I asked, "What is your name?" He said, "My name is James." I said, "It's a beautiful name." James laughed. He questioned me, "Do you know about Trans-Canada Highway?" I said, "I don't know". He explained, "Trans-Canada Highway is a transcontinental federal-provincial Highway system that travels through all ten provinces of Canada from the Pacific Ocean on the west coast to the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast. The main route spans 7,821km (4,860 mile) across the country, one of the longest route of its type in the world. The highway system is recognisable by its distinctive white-on-green maple leaf route markers, although there are small variations in the marker in some provinces." I was shocked to hear that.

He asked me, "Well, Sir, have you ever seen magical forest?" I frowned and looked at his face. "If we drive about 11hrs from here, we'll get The Enchanted Forest. The forest is the focal point of tourist attraction.", he said. I said eagerly, "So let's see the forest and enjoy the natural beauty." But he refused to go now. Because it will be evening when we arrive at the hotel. I thought it would be great if James stayed at the hotel for three days with me, he would have been my guide. He would take me to visit new new places. I asked him as a friend to stay with me for three days. At first he did not agree, but later agreed. I requested him to tell me something about the forest. He narrated briefly, "In folklore and fantasy, an enchanted forest is a forest under, or containing, enchantments. Such forests are described in the oldest folklore from regions where the forests are common, and occur throughout the centuries to morden works of fantasy. They represent places unknown to the characters, and situations of liminality and transformation. The forest can feature as a place of threatening, danger, or one of refuge, or a chance at adventure."

I listened to him with interest. I was surprised and asked him, "What is the special about the Enchanted Forest?" He said, "It's a magical place where visitors can see, touch and step into the homes of fairytale heroes, villains and creatures that hold so many memories for all of us.

The main trail of the grand forest provides the magical setting for 350 jolly folk art figurines, BC's tallest, grandest tree house that rises 50 feet into the forest canopy, a giant cedar stump house, Castle, dungeons and dragon with surprises around every corner." He showed me everything in the car, Lake Superior, Pass lake, Nippigon River Bridge and so on. He gave me binoculars to enjoy the scenes. Seeing the fresh water from the Lake Superior in distance made my heart dance.

It was noon. We stopped the car to eat and drink and sat in the shade of a huge tree. We ate the veggie pizzas and burgers I bought. After eating, we drank some soft drinks and enjoyed the cool shade and cool breeze of the trees. After a while, we resumed our journey.

This time the car was moving at a steady pace. I fell asleep after a while in the car. I didn't know when we arrived at the hotel. James woke me up, he took the belongings out of the car and grabbed those and we walked into the hotel together.

To be continued...

The Missing room 873

A scary ghost story