True Art

Chapter Sixteen

MATTHEW'S POV

I zoomed out a little and refocused the camera on my phone, trying to capture the panorama in front of me. I'd set off from the cottage just after nine and made the steep climb up the mountain to the forest glen trail. The sun was hot, and I welcomed the cool shade of the trees. The scent of wild garlic assaulted my nose, and I waved a fly away from my face, cursing to myself that I hadn’t thought to bring the insect spray.

I'd been hiking for nearly two hours now and was on my way back down the mountain when the panorama unfolded in front of me. The forest cleared, a large stretch of woodland that had been cut down, and unveiling the valley floor far below. It was crazy how high up I was already, and I gazed out, following the horizon as the edge of land disappeared into the sea.

Now that was a painting in the making.

A dozen photos later and I still couldn't seem to capture the light and perspective. Glancing around, I spied a large rock a few metres back. Maybe it would be better from there.

I climbed up, dragging myself to my knees and then standing tall, the view stretching perfectly before me. Yes, that's perfect.

I leaned out, reaching for that perfect shot and I slid. First, a slow slide down the far side of the rock, my feet disappearing over the edge as the back of my calves and knees slid after. I didn't panic, unaware of what was happening. It seemed to take too long before my feet landed on the ground. It was then I realized I was falling. Hurtling down the sheer side of the mountain and landing with a bang on my hip before rolling into some trees at the bottom.

I'd managed to avoid hitting my head, and I shook violently from the shock and fright. I'd been so distracted I hadn't even noticed the rock was perched on the edge of the mountain. I felt stupid and embarrassed. Glancing back up, I groaned as I thought of trying to climb my way back up there.

Brushing the dried leaves and twigs from myself, I sat forward and screamed as my knee moved. There was no mistaking the pain; I was injured. There was something seriously wrong with my leg, and I knew I couldn't move it.

Panic finally erupted and I shook, searching for my phone, feeling around me and panicking more as I couldn't find it. I'd been holding it in my hand, and it must have slipped when I fell. Shit. This wasn't good.

I'd passed by a few people earlier that morning on the trail, but I didn't know whether they'd spot me down here, and from where I was, I couldn't see the path to call out if anyone passed.

I wasn't usually prone to freaking out, but this was one of the few times when I didn't have a way out. What if they didn't find me? What if nobody knew where I was? What if I died up here?

I shook my head, attempting to shake away the thoughts and instead focused on the sounds of the birds and the rustle of wind in the trees. Remi would notice I was missing and he would find me.

My stomach grumbled, and I remembered the muesli bar I'd shoved in my pocket before leaving earlier. As I reached for it, my knee moved slightly, and I let out a roar, beads of sweat erupting on my brow and a wave of nausea making me retch.

Whatever I'd done to my knee, it was well and truly fucked up. I needed Remi to find me. I knew he would. It was just a matter of when.