Let me tell you how I defied...something...I'm still not sure quite what happened, but thinking about it as I drove home, I figured that it was too bizarre and too surreal to me not to share. 

Picture the infamous Bachelor's Grove Cemetery. I've been going through some things lately, and when my mental state starts to plummet beyond what I can't control, I typically go here. It's odd that I do, but I find an odd sense of comfort there. I'm neutral on the whole "paranormal" and "supernatural" thing. Very neutral. I'm not sure that there's enough definitive proof in favor of supernatural beings existing, but there's not enough proof to disprove their existence. Nevertheless, the whole history surrounding the place is intriguing to me, and the wildlife there is incredible, since it's a hidden area and people rarely go there. Domesticated animals are never around there either, since shards of liquor bottles usually cover the ground in the area.

But let's get to the fun part. 

I got to the gates, and saw two men dressed in black looking at one of the gravestones (or what was left of it). They were dressed in the typical "bad guy" fashion, a black beanie and black coat. I didn't look at them enough to get an idea of the lower halves of their bodies; I didn't bother looking. Besides, as a girl in Chicago, you learn young that the more you look at a man, the more likely it is that he'll assume you're interested in him, no matter your age. One was short and sort of stout, and had a tannish skin tone, while the other was tall and lean, with dark skin. I, as an idiot, still entered the cemetery. I was thinking that they were ghost hunters or something. I went directly to the gravestone titled Infant Daughter, and gave her my offering. It's customary to put a toy, piece of candy, or something like that on her grave. Again, I'm not sure if I believe in the supernatural, but it doesn't hurt to be kind. Then, I went to the lake where it's rumored that Al Capone dumped some bodies. I spoke quietly to the lake, just sharing my wish that their bodies will be found soon, and that they'll get the rest they deserve instead of rotting at the bottom of the lake. 

I turned around to leave, but the tall man sat by the entrance, watching me, while the shorter man was examining another gravestone. I killed some time by visiting the Infant Daughter's grave again, then walked around the area near it, dusting some broken glass off of the gravestones. The tall man was still watching me, so I went back to the lake and took some deep breaths. I realized that I wasn't in the best situation. I was trapped in the back of a cemetery hidden by thick woods on all sides, that was famous for gang activity and Satanic rituals, and I was trapped by two men who could easily overpower me (I hate to admit it, but I'm rather short and I don't weigh much, either). I stuck my car keys between my fingers (a trick all girls should know) and looked around for a way out. There was a small path to the side that I could sneak through and escape the gated-in part of the cemetery. That had gotten me to safety for a little while, since there was a running stream there and lots of trees. I could navigate it easily, thanks to my size. 

After following the stream for a while and just enjoying the scenery, I approached the gated-in part of the cemetery. Both men were there together by the entrance. I assumed they were waiting for my return so they could do whatever was on their minds to me when I tried to leave, so I went deep into the woods. I forgot my situation for a while, and saw a few squirrels and a fleeting silhouette of a fox. A friendly little finch-like bird sat on a branch and stared at me for a while, letting me admire her before flying away. 

Until I came to a makeshift hut. 

My parents had always warned me about people living in the woods, especially people living in the woods around the cemetery. I realized I needed to leave. Now. Fast. Immediately. I climbed trees and ran and jumped through fallen trees and thorny plants (I'm still bleeding in some spots, even though I was wearing jeans), until I could see the path again. It was a welcome sight...except for two dark figures staring back at me through the trees. I stared back, not moving. If I had turned and ran, they may have had a gun to shoot me with, or they may have been living in the woods and they may have known the area better than I did. I waited for a while, until I couldn't quite make out their figures. I continued to travel through the woods, not going near the path until I was near the road. I checked for the men before emerging fully from the woods, and didn't see any sort of sign that they were near. I left the woods and crossed the street to my car.

There was a white car only slightly away from mine, which was on, indicated by its lights. I paid no mind to it at first. I got into my car, and locked the doors. I was happy to see my trombone again, and nothing was out of place. I started the car, but the white car pulled out when I was about to reverse. The thought creeped into my head...what if they were in the car...? I looked into the window of the white car and made eye contact with one of the men inside. He had tannish skin. He had the black beanie. And he was staring back at me. They left the parking lot, and I was left on my own to process what had happened.

This legitimately just happened to me a couple of hours ago. I wanted to get this written down and shared with someone, anyone, before I forgot anything. Before I leave this journal, let me say a couple of things. 

Never go somewhere potentially dangerous by yourself. I don't know how I managed to hide from them and how I didn't get attacked by a homeless man in the woods. Also, I'm considering starting up a Chicago AU story because of this experience, just because this city is ridiculous, and the experiences I've gone through in this city are...wow. Finally, am I feeling better about my life? Yes, for now, because I just had a near-death experience. When I go back to my daily routine, and when the adrenaline wears off, I'll probably end up back in my rut. Hopefully not, though.