Bella POV:

I had spent nearly the last 50 years alone. I've lived my entire new life in my own little sanctuary that I made for myself deep in the woods of the Olympic National Forest. After I was changed, I had no other choice but to flee from my bloodlust; I knew I had no other choice but to run as far away from humans as possible. I've only ever had one close encounter- a pair of hikers that had strayed too far from the trails. Somehow I was able to keep my control, and I retreated further and further into the forest. I can't even remember the last time I was that close to humans again and I never wanted to find out what would happen if one were to wander too close again. I had been able to build a small cottage, nothing fancy by any means, but I had never been one to need much at all. As for clothes and other amenities, I was able to occasionally wander just close enough to hear campers in the woods. I'd wait until they left their tent and supplies to go fish or swim, and then I'd steal any clothes and hygiene products I could find, as well as any supplies I would need for my cottage. I held my breath and as soon as I grabbed what I needed, I would quickly run the miles back to my house. It wasn't exactly the most moral thing I could be doing, but it was better than any alternative options. I truly felt terrible thinking about the hikers coming back only to find that their stuff was gone. Maybe they could blame it on a bear- one with a particular affinity towards women's mediums and shower products.

Living this lifestyle was difficult. I often found myself wondering where I would be if I had stayed a human. I longed for company. I longed for my life before this purgatory. I longed for him. The hole in my chest began to present itself again and I pushed the thoughts away. I thought about Charlie and my mom, who were gone by now. I wondered what they thought happened to me- did they think I ran away because of what had happened? Did they think I was kidnapped or in an accident? I wanted so badly to be with them and to have my old life back. But I couldn't. That was no longer a reality for me. Instead, I found myself gazing up at the stars on the wooden roof of my small house. Even on my tough skin, I could feel the splinters of the wood. I wished I had paid more attention in woodshop but made due with what I had, which wasn't much, but my strength sure didn't hurt when tearing apart trees to build the structure. The inside was barren. I mean I didn't need much, no bed and only a few pieces of makeshift furniture. I had a couple seats and a small couch that I had carved out of tree stumps and logs along with a few small shelves that held some supplies: some knives, my clothes, shower supplies, and most importantly, a few books I had been lucky enough to steal from the campers.

My belongings weren't much, and hell, they were barely even mine at all, but the books helped me escape my mundane existence, even if I had read them a million times and had every plot memorized. I was able to bathe and wash my clothes in a nearby stream. People never went there, instead staying downstream miles away, closer to campgrounds. I had to admit though, even when I felt the loneliest, sometimes it was nice to have my own little piece of the woods. It made hunting easy. I was able to find plenty of deer and bears and smaller animals to satiate the thirst between big hunts. I stayed away from mountain lion…for other reasons. I tried my best to always stay full incase I ever ran into a human. As a human, I had never been particularly social, so it made it easier to transition into total isolation. During the days, I'd often wander for miles, being sure to steer clear of any scents or sounds that resembled a human. It was easy for the most part everyone stuck to the national park buildings and managed campgrounds. I loved taking in the rich green scenery and speeding through great distances. Although, many times, I caught myself going at a slow pace, barely faster than a human run or walk. I mean, I had the time and nowhere to be, I might as well attempt to enjoy my surroundings.