Real Encounters

*I return what is not mine.*

I went on my hike today a little later than usual, starting up the mountain at about 6:30. I had gotten off work a bit later than usual, but that hadn't discouraged me from going on my hike. I love nature. I view my hikes as blessings, as opportunities to really take in the beauty that this world offers. I began the usual route, left at the giant rock, and continuing straight for a while before making another left at the large oak. However, when I reached the oak, there was caution tape stretched from another tree to the oak, effectively blocking off the path so that you were forced to make a right.

I had never taken a right at the oak tree, and I did not want to today. I am not familiar with the path and may get lost. That thought process is what led me to disregard the caution tape, and proceed left anyway. It was then already rounding 7 o'clock. The sun was setting, but I had experience hiking in darkness, and did not even hesitate in continuing on my hike. Besides, I always bring my lighter, and swiss army pocket knife whenever hiking, so I was not all that nervous.

I started up the left of the oak and marvelled at the gorgeous vegetation I was surrounded by. The wildflowers, the trees with their blossoming branches, and the insects scuttling around. I was in heaven. As I continued on the trail, I approached an unfamiliar scene. This trail normally continues up and up the mountain, to its highest point. One way up. One way down. However, as I looked ahead, I saw a fork in the trail. One way leading left, the other leading right. I had never before seen these two paths.

Faced with a decision I was unfamiliar with, I could not decide whether to go right, or left. I was not ready to end my hike, so I just decided to make it easy and go right. That was probably the biggest mistake I have ever made. I should've turned back at the first thing I came across. After maybe a minute of walking on this stray trail, I saw something coming up on the path. As I neared the object, I noticed it was a compass. However, there was what appeared to be blood spattered on the glass casing along with many scratches. The needles were going back and forth, as if running out of control. Instead of turning back, I picked up the compass and placed it in my sweatshirt pocket. I continued on the trail, with nothing worth mentioning appearing for about 15 minutes. Then I saw it.

Up ahead in the distance, I saw what appeared to be a golf cart with a large yellow bucket next to it. I came closer and closer, and realized how incorrect I actually was. I can now say it is what looks like a poorly put together shelter, presumably housing a homeless person. When I passed the shelter, I got a good look on the inside. I saw a few scattered sheets of paper, a candle, what looked like some roots, and a few poorly made small brown dolls. I had no interest in exploring the small shack, and continued on my hike. 20 minutes go by. I am nearing the top of the mountain. The sun has completely set but it is still slightly bright outside, loads of visibility.

I reach the top of the mountain, and relish the view. I can see the entire city, with a 360 degree view of it all. Nature is gorgeous. I'm getting ready to make my way down and back to the bottom to my car. Then I see him.

A man with a thick brownish-gray beard, slightly balding, and a little bit overweight. He is visibly shaking and mumbling to himself. I assume that this is the homeless guy which lives in the shack I had come across. Not wanting any trouble, I attempt to pass him, making no eye contact and looking directly down towards the ground. But when we are directly next to each other, he reaches out and grabs me. Looking directly into my eyes, his eyes are crazy and bloodshot. His lips are quivering as he makes out a few words.

"Return what is not yours."

He then reaches into my sweatshirt pocket, and grabs the compass I had picked up along my hike. I reach for my pocket knife, only to find that it is not there. I pull out my lighter and stupidly flash it at him like it is some sort of deadly weapon. He frowns down at me, loosens his grip, and begins yelling nonsense at the sky. The last thing I remember hearing from him is, "Hot Tamale! Hot Tamale! Wrongdoing and sin! Meet your maker! MEET YOUR MAKER!"

I sprint, not run, SPRINT, as fast as I can while maintaining safety. I run past the two stray trails, past the caution tape and big oak, past the large rock, and finally reach the foot of the mountain. Reaching into my pocket, I grab for my car key, and find that it is missing. In heavy panic, I start freaking out. I'm not going to go back to the mountain, but I don't have my keys. I decide just to go to my car and call Triple A or something. When I reach the car door, I notice something. My car keys are inserted into the slot on the handle. On the ground, my pocket knife lays, undamaged and intact.. What was written on the window spooked me the most. It had been carved into the glass.

"I return what is not mine."