The chalk-white cliffs stood stark before me as I began the trek in this new foreign land. Warmth of the sunshine hit my skin. It was like a long drink of cool water after many months of living through the Pacific Northwest winter rains. The busy chatter of families and visitors surround me, bringing me a sense of welcomed security.

Yet, I couldn’t ignore the feeling inside of me that craves the serenity of solitude. Then I saw them–the words pressed into a wooden sign–

ALCOVE HOUSE (this way) 

In that moment the wind blew past me a cool, crisp wisp of air. Enough to raise goosebumps across my skin. I paused, the low sound of a beating drum in the distance. And then…

“Go…”

Was that a voice? I looked in every direction, puzzled and slightly panicked. What was going on?

There before me, centered beneath the towering pines, stood an empty path, free from the noise of the park. My heartbeat aligning with the cadence of the distant drum. I walked forward.