And she thought her worst fear was the bears…

Virginia Macdonald looked at the shotgun that leaned against the wall and sighed. Bears have been coming around her cabin again, and she would likely need to scare them away.

She walked over to the window and reflected on the picturesque surroundings. Virginia had always loved Lakeside Canyon, even though the lake was further south. To be able to live here and paint was a dream come true. As she gazed at the beauty before her, she saw something in the distance or rather someone.

It was the figure of John Willis. Virginia’s family had been neighbors with the Willis,’ and she knew John and his identical twin Mike since they were in Elementary. What could he want? She wondered. John had visited only a few days ago when he was in the forest collecting herbs. He was the only doctor in the small town a couple miles from her. Did he need more herbs?

“Virginia, how are you?” He called out as he waved at her. Virginia never really took to John. He gave off a smarmy aura much different than Mike, who was personable and warm. Virginia didn’t see as much of Mike as his job running the one local store kept him in town.

Virginia hid her distaste and smiled at John as she opened the window. It was pretty warm for the end of winter, and few minutes would clear the stale air out. “I’m well, John. Are you out digging for roots?”

“Yes, I’ve run out of dandelion and nettle roots.” John smiled, “Aren’t you going to ask me in?”

Virginia looked around the small cabin. Her half-finished painting called to her. She really didn’t want to, but it would be impolite. So she nodded, “very well, I’ll put the kettle, but I have a commission to finish, so I can’t be too long.”

“Of course,” John said, his face faltering a bit. “I thought you might like to try a new blend I created.”

Moments later, they were seated at her kitchen table, each with a mug of tea in hand as John made small talk. “Do you ever think you will return to town?”

Virginia shook her head, “I don’t think so. I worked too hard to build this cabin and move here. This place… it inspires me.”

“My mother asked after you too,” He continued. Virginia’s mind wandered as he continued to talk. Why was he here? It wasn’t like they were close. In fact, he avoided her most of the time when they were growing up. Mike was actually who she would consider a friend. Well, truth be told, she had a tiny crush on Mike in high school. It wasn’t as though he didn’t see her, but he didn’t see her that way.

It had been years since she’d gone to university for art and returned. She’d only seen Mike a handful of times. John’s visits seemed to be increasing, though, and for some reason, that made her uncomfortable. He brought her tea mixes of his own making, which was sweet of him, but she felt he wanted something more. However, He never voiced it.

John drained his cup. “Virginia, thank you for your hospitality, but I know you have work to get back to, and I need to get these herbs while there is still daylight.”

He handed her a bag of tea. “For your trouble.”

Virginia smiled, “I’m going to have so much tea I won’t be able to drink it all. Thank you.”

John nodded and headed toward the door. “Until next time then.”

A few weeks later, Virginia had finished her painting and was cleaning out her brushes when she heard a knock at the door. Looking toward the window, she could see the snow flurries were starting to fall. It was John again, she sighed. It wasn’t like Virginia disliked him, but he made her feel uncomfortable, and they didn’t really have much in common.

Virginia glanced in the mirror. Her hair was messily held in place by a paintbrush, and she had several splotches of paint on her. So what if she looked crappy? Shrugging, Virginia answered the door.

“Hello John, what brings you here today?” She asked. In reality, she had been feeling like utter shit lately. A lie down was what she wanted most right now.

“You do,” He answered curtly.

“What do you mean?” Virginia asked curiously. She could see that he had something to say.

John gazed at her with affection. “Virginia, I love you, and I want you to be my wife,” He said confidently as he squared his shoulders.

Virginia was shocked. A part of her expected a confession, but to ask her to marry him was over the top. “John, I’m sorry I don’t feel that way about you.” She felt weak as she sat down at the kitchen table. In fact, she felt awful, as though she couldn’t think or stand anymore.

As she glanced over at John, she could see a sinister smile. “You’ve been drinking the tea mix I made, haven’t you?”

“Of course,” Virginia said, “You make a delicious tea.”

“Then my backup plan is in place,” John said, looking triumphant. “I had a feeling you would deny me, and just like everyone else, you had a stupid crush on my brother.” Virginia blanched she had never mentioned it to anyone. His voice became confident as he continued to speak. “You can either marry me and live or refuse and die from the tea I poisoned you with.”

Anger ran through Virginia’s body as she stood up. She didn’t need a minute to think of her reply, “Go to hell. I knew something was off about you behind the friendly attitude. I never said anything because I didn’t have a reason, but now I do. Take your marriage proposal and shove it up to your ass. You make my skin crawl. You aren’t a doctor. You’re a murderer. “

It was obvious John was not prepared for the vehemence of her anger. The surprise on his face was almost comical as she shouted at him. Then his face darkened angrily. “It’s obvious I misjudged you.”

“I guess so,” Virginia answered sarcastically. “I would rather die than marry a psychopath. Imagine that!”

John smiled, seemingly fully recovered from his earlier shock. “Well, either you will walk into town to beg for my help or enjoy your last few days in this world!” With that, he strode out of the cabin slamming the door behind him.