The lights went out.

In the dark instant that followed, a shout rose from below. Panicked and shaken, breaking the evening’s casual relaxation as surely as the thump and rattle of a body flinging itself against a door. Between sobbing breaths, faces poked around corners and over couches, as the Morgans each turned surprise and trepidation towards the guest room where the stranger they’d offered a night’s shelter was kicking up such a fuss. “Hey, hey, woah now, it’s only the power’s out, be back on soon’s be, reckon. Easy there, fella.” Three children stared, wide-eyed, as their father reached for the door handle and paused only briefly at the heavy crash behind it.

When he and his wife rushed into the room, they found the kid’s bag left behind, and a broken window. The only thing missing was a china figurine from the mantel, but they found it two days later on the porch. Along with an apologetic note. They didn’t see him again.

***

Thunk!

Brakes screamed shrill protest as the woman’s leg locked straight in panic spurred adrenaline. The truck wobbled, back end drifting, but came to a stop still more or less parallel to the road. Swearing, she looked in the mirror for the deer that had run out in front of her, knowing without wanting to admit it that the hit had been too solid to leave it standing. Wishing they weren’t so fast, wondering where in all hell it had jumped out from. What had it leaping into her way when it could have gone the other and lived?

The shadowy silhouette that slipped up out of the ditch as she finally saw the deer in her rearview mirror was large and eerie in the sudden quiet. Witchfire glow lighting up its eyes as it glanced her way a long moment before turning to the dying deer and dragging it, in a series of sharp tugs, back into the shadows where her lights couldn’t reach.

A wolf? So near the city? More likely a big dog, with surprisingly good timing…. Without really thinking, the woman rolled up her windows before she set off again, and she couldn’t help looking back more than once, but the creature must have hauled the carcass into the ditch by then, out of sight and in the shadows. She’d have to ask someone if wolves often came this way.

***

Old Abe, from up the way, swore he saw some varmint sneaking about near his goat shed, setting the flock into fussing. But when he went and grabbed his gun, wasn’t hide nor hair of it, not a single thing but a footprint. Darndest thing though: looked human. Musta been a bear.

Old man’s eyes aren’t what they used to be.



The beautiful day ahead had turned into stormy skies and angry rumbles. He’d known it was coming. He’d smelled the rain on the wind, felt the tension rising. But he’d thought he’d have more time to find some shelter. Trouble was, he didn’t know the area. Hadn’t known where he was almost from the start. Honestly, he wasn’t even sure if he’d crossed the border yet or was still in Canada. It wasn’t like territories were only a human concept, but rocks and plants definitely didn’t care either way, and he’d mostly been avoiding roads. They’d made walking easier, but they weren’t exactly the safest places when cars came barrelling out of nowhere.

Another few seconds, and that deer he’d been chasing might have gotten off home free, and he’d be the one lying there…

At the time, Addison hadn’t thought about it. He’d been too busy making the most of a good opportunity. Filling his empty stomach. It was only later, replete and satisfied, that his mind had flashed back to that split second’s hesitation and fear he’d felt. To the broken deer, the truck’s taillights flashing bright and swaying as the driver straightened out and kept going after a long, long pause. That could have been him. And even if it wasn’t, a smaller car, or a less experienced driver… Someone else might have died. And it would have been his fault. He didn’t need to risk his own or anyone else’s life more than he already did for a meal. Even if it was probably the only way he’d catch a meal. Better to wash dishes, if it came to that.

Only, that meant following roads again. Well, country roads had less traffic, and slower, usually. So, after a while, he’d found himself another one. Not quite a dirt track, but it hardly looked like it had two lanes, let alone enough to be a highway, and there were plenty of turn-offs here, down long driveways. Dogs had been barking at him from just about every second house for the last two hours. But he’d politely ignored them and kept on. And now, here he was, drenched within seconds by the downpour, daylight suddenly dark as twilight, no public roof in sight, every barn guarded by dogs, and him too shy to go knocking on doors again after the last time.

The memory still made him flush warmly, so, asking for shelter was out as an option. But, before he gave up entirely, Addison decided to give hitchhiking a go. Might get him somewhere he could stay, and let him keep going for a bit, too. Not to mention, if he could ask someone where the hell he was, that would be great. Just as long as the map in his bag, which was currently dribbling a steady stream of somehow colder than the rain rainwater down his back, was still legible. Because otherwise, yeah, he was lost. Not a horrible thing. Wasn’t like he’d been going anywhere to start with, but he was thinking that maybe he should start thinking about that. About having a destination, because sooner or later, he’d hit ocean, and then what? Couldn’t swim that.

Without a goal, there wasn’t much point in moving forward, after a certain point, and he didn’t know what he was looking for. Made him restless, even though he’d been on the move almost every day for the past month.

So, making a miserable picture on the side of the road, sodden, hunched against the wind, dark hair slicked to his head and dripping into his eyes, shorts doing absolutely nothing to keep out the chill, Addison kept on. One soggy shoe in front of the other, hand out whenever he saw light flashing off the water on the road. Three cars in slow succession went on past… One, considerately, went wide so as not to splash him. The thought was nice, but the effort pointless, he was already as wet as you could get. With the light rapidly fading despite it being only mid-afternoon, Addison figured that the rate of traffic might give him two, maybe three more chances before he’d need to ditch the road and risk a dogfight to get out of the rain. He was already shivering. It was friggin’ cold.

Penetralia, pop. 84

Nestled deep in Flathead Valley perched a quaint town. The long and twisting north road that stretched beyond the horizon left them perfectly isolated, content within their own place in the world. The collection of houses sat between three large farms, each bustling with cattle and sheep, as well as work horses. The town was centred around a large hall, its clock tower raised high, painted deep, azure blue. From one end of the main street to the other were all the amenities a picturesque town needed, despite being so far away from any civilisation beside their own.

Whilst only small, the people within the collection were almost entirely self-sufficient; ideal for those seeking privacy and shelter. Penetralia lived up to its name. The residents all knew each other by name and continued their lives with their own purpose. From doctor to the electrician, there wasn't a job spare within the less than bustling streets.

On that particular day, the downpour had been heavy enough to burst the old roof tiles of the three-roomed school. By midday, most of the residents were gathering to repair the damage, leaving seven of the stronger townsfolk to collect timber from the forest beyond their town limits. They twisted down the North Road to which they would reach a clearing created entirely for the creation of buildings. Their journey would have remained routine had the strange and unfamiliar figure not appeared in the heavy shower. As the two front cars continued on, a stout man with a misshapen beard, a deep auburn with the flecks of old age beginning to show, pulled against the sodden grass.

"You're awfully lost, kid." He called, leaning across from his spot in the driver's seat. Two old eyes stared the stranger from the tip of his sodden head all the way down the squelching soles of his shoes. Penetralia had stood for decades, and more often than not, residents never happened on accident. They reached its borders for a reason. "We've got warm food and dry clothes in town. You'll catch something nasty out here in this rain and we're miles away from any real hospitals." A fat hand reached across to the passenger door and swung it open for the man. "It's not a long ride into town, Susan will be happy to help." The plump man sat silently for the briefest moment before pulling away with Addison inside.

He spent very little for the first few moments of their journey. It wasn't due to the man's reluctance to speak, but instead his reserved consideration of their new resident. It was bold to believe as such but such existed their township. From what had originated as a sanctuary nestled from a chaotic world, continued forwards an ever growing land of picturesque freedom.

"I suppose you'll be looking for somewhere to spend the night too, ey?" His accent was thick whilst his voice crackled from one too many cigars. "We've got plenty of people who'd be happy to spare a bed. I'm sure Maggie wouldn't mind letting you stay if you'd prefer to be outside of the town. You don't entirely strike me as a City-type." After a moment of careful consideration, a bulbous hand shot towards the stranger. "You can call be Angus, by the way. I own the brewery in town. You're welcome to a free drink at any time, just stop by." The toothy grin he shared with the newcomer was vibrant, yellowed, but honest.

The duo continued back down the winding tarmac until the trees parted to reveal a town sat beneath rolling mountains and a landscape vaster than the imagination. On either side stretched fields of corn, potato, and rapeseed, vivid yellow in bloom. The truck bounced over the less trodden track until the community came into full view. Black specs were still gathered around the roofing of the school house, all working to repair the damage caused by a long neglected problem. Despite the continuing downpour, Penetralia existed as if painted from the longing of an idealist. Boundless horizon, infinite skies, expansive grassland with herds of peaceful animals. Sitting out of town stood a farmhouse, painted an old turquoise.

The spluttering truck pulled into the town only to stop outside the congregation. Angus slowly heaved himself from inside the vehicle and gestured over both his new neighbour and a slender old women, with a pointed nose and an endearing face. They spoke quietly for a moment until she strode over to the new face.

"Come on, love. We've got plenty to spare here." She trotted gently across the empty high street and into the townhouse opposite. "You look a similar size to my son-" The entire interior of the house seemed to match the peacefully quaint exterior, laced with timed decor and home-made furniture. The grey haired women returned not a moment later with two fresh towels and a bundle of clean, and more importantly, dry clothing. "Take your time. I'll fix you up some stew in the mean time." The women, Susan, handed over the collection of items before retreating with a whistle into the kitchen.

Given as he’d lost hope of anyone picking him up, Addison likely shouldn’t have been watching the cars slow down as they went past with much suspicion, but he was both confused to see the three car caravan and wondering if he’d finally have a chance to get out of the wet. No one else had stopped though, so what was it that changed the pattern?

He didn’t know. Maybe these were locals and the others had just been passing through. Maybe they had other reasons for showing a bit of kindness to a soggy youth. Maybe the man behind the wheel, looking him over now with a casual disregard for the rain pelting through the open window, was just the friendly sort. Still, shoulders hunched and head pulled down as much as he could manage without turning into a turtle, the young man couldn’t help glancing after the other two cars before he let the promise of warm food and a dry spot lure him inside. Didn’t feel right besides, hesitating while the man’s truck got soaked. Not that scrambling onto the seat and shutting the door really helped. He was already waterlogged and brought it all in with him. Had to resist the urge to shake out, as though it would do anything useful.

Instead, he struggled out of his backpack straps to bring it around to the front before buckling up, already starting to shiver now he was out of the elements. Hugging his bag and trying to stop the trembles so the heavy man wouldn’t notice, Addison only managed to get out a delayed bit of gratitude after they’d already been underway a good five minutes. The word was quiet, somewhat sheepish, emerging after he blinked out of a brief daze from the sudden change in his surroundings. He’d been mentally preparing himself for a night in the storm when they came by, hadn’t been ready for an open door. Forgot his manners.

Forgot how nice it was to be off his feet and still moving. So much easier than walking… Though somehow more tiring. Or maybe it was just catching up with him now he was sitting down.

Needless to say, he didn’t mind the quiet. Didn’t even care to ask where they were going, though he knew he should have been at least a little curious. He didn’t want it to matter, just as long as the promised meal was there. A little too much trust was asking for it, but then, a little too much suspicion could leave you paralysed. Addison only yawned widely, wriggled farther into his seat as though he could vanish into it and left the rest up to fate. Spent most of the ride staring at the dash, trying not to nod off.

The question wrung a tired smile out him, and a lazy sort of nod. Yeah, he wanted a place to stay. For the night, right. Though he had to actually turn towards the guy, an eyebrow raised at the observation that he didn’t look like a City-type. What did City-types look like? For that matter, what type did he look like then? Though, the guess was pretty accurate; he didn’t like populated areas much. Never had, but it had gotten worse, recently. For good reason, not that he was going to explain that. To anyone.

Though he did grin back, the sudden spark of pale teeth against dark skin briefly lifting his somber aura, and took the proffered hand without hesitation. “Addison. Might take you up on that.” If it wasn’t illegal… He didn’t know which borders he had or hadn’t crossed already. And if he stuck around that long. He didn’t plan on staying more than a night unless the storm got worse. Even then…

He had no plans to settle down soon. A month didn’t seem like enough time, even being constantly on the move, to put the distance he wanted between himself and his memories. But a friendly face was still a nice find. Unfortunately, he wasn’t much up for chatting. He didn’t mind conversation, but Addison had been on his own a while, and words were easy for him to leave behind. The quiet was comfortable, the storm bad enough that letting Angus keep his attention on the road seemed like a good idea. And as the trees opened up to the farmer’s fields he’d been sure had to be somewhere nearby, he had to admit the view was a picturesque ideal. Town looked even smaller than his old place. And Angus thought it counted as city?

The idea made him smile as he stared out the window, but he wasn’t about to argue the point, populated was populated, size of the population didn’t matter. Well, not much. Definitely had that small town feel though, small town look. Friendlier than some places he’d wandered through. But he still hesitated to follow Angus back into the elements, especially when he saw the little crowd gathered about the building they’d parked near. But, he couldn’t stay in the truck forever.

So, he climbed out, trying to minimize the rain’s intrusion by nearly shutting the door before he was all the way out, and then he stood quietly beside the truck, listening to the rain and faint calls between strangers, watching the man and old lady talking, not sure if he was welcome to join their company until she came over. He followed her without a word, not entirely sure what it was they had to spare but not wanting to make her stand about in the rain either. Hell, he’d rather not stand about in the rain, so dragging his heels seemed counter-productive.

Addison only just remembered to glance back at Angus, giving him a wave in lieu of shouting back an extra thank you, before he disappeared inside and stood dripping in a pleasantly old-style foyer. The lady had already wandered off, but he wasn’t about to take one step farther without an invite, or a towel. Dripping all over her floor wasn’t the best way to say thanks. But he couldn’t help looking around some after he shut the door, appreciating the warmth of both four sturdy walls and the cozy interior. Homey.

Her return with clothes and towels and cheerful attitude despite the weather, had him starting slightly and then smiling again, accepting the proffered collection quietly. “Thank you.”

Once she was gone again, he stood for another long moment, hands out, now full, confused by this turn of events and not entirely certain what to do with it. After a while though, he felt silly just standing there, and the warmth of being out of the wind had turned back to the chill of being soaked. Kicking off his shoes and pulling off his socks, he hurried down the hall until he found the bathroom, grateful there weren’t that many rooms to look through, and closed the door. She’d said he could take his time, but who wanted to be standing around half naked, or all naked, in a stranger’s house?

He towelled himself vigourously dry, trying to warm up while he did, and was pleasantly surprised to find that she’d not been far wrong with her size estimates. Clean, not wet, and warmer, Addison emerged a few minutes later, no longer dripping with his clothes hung up to dry and his bag resting on both towels for the moment, and stepped into the kitchen, glancing around curiously and unable to keep from sniffing the air slightly. “Thank you, ma’am. Anything I can do?”

He was not the greatest cook in the world, she’d probably regret saying yes, but even if all she needed was a bowl got down, he'd feel more comfortable having something helpful to do. Though, he couldn’t remember now… “Are you Susan or Maggie?”