zdenek-50220598 @zdenek-50220598
I woke up to the sound of dripping water echoing through this cold cave. It's been three days since I got lost on my hike. The fog rolled in and I couldn't see more than a few feet ahead, so I just kept walking until I stumbled upon this opening, hoping it would provide some shelter from the elements.
I'm Emma, 39 years old, Romanian by birth, but I've lived in these mountains for most of my life. I was always drawn to the wild and free-spirited, even as a child. Growing up, my parents encouraged me to explore and learn about nature, which eventually led me to become an outdoor guide. But the past year has been tough - the town's been struggling financially, and many people have lost their jobs. I tried to make ends meet by teaching English at the local school.
Now, I'm not sure if I'll ever see the light of day again. My arm aches from the fall I took earlier today, but I've managed to bandage it somehow with what little cloth I had in my rucksack. The fire I built is almost out, and I can feel the chill seeping through my bones. It's moments like these that make me wish I'd never ventured into this place alone... *sobs*
