Youth's Dew

Chapter 17

Pann

Meeting up with Hannah has been my best idea so far, and I'm excited to learn more about Dewstone. Joven and I toured the tunnels that led to the other Dewbie vicinages and met a lot of Dewbies; so today I want to see all the stores.

Located in a circular pattern, the individual businesses are all located along the outer edges, with the old wooden bridge in the middle. Upon closer look, though, I do see smaller bridges along the cave walls in between some businesses to keep the water ways clear and flowing.

The Mist is hovering around our ankles, but I can still see the stone pathways as we begin. Hannah first takes me to the Central Control Room, then moving in a clockwise motion we turn left and pass the dental office, the furniture store "Made for You", an Italian Restaurant "A Slice of Italy", then past the entrance to the Seca tunnel. Then, we keep moving in the same direction and pass "Polish Perfect" and "Perk You Up," and the entrance to Cara Tunnel where Joven lives. I'm trying hard not to think of what he's doing, since my phone has remained silent. Going over a small bridge we pass "Bovine's Better" and a small clothing store "Fig Leaves and More," and reach the entrance to Hanno tunnel. Just to the left of that is a hobby store, "Crafty Collections," and "Dewstone Granary" and the last dwellers tunnel; Inga.

Trying not to look too hard, or too interested, we pass the gymnasium, City Hall, and the Dewstone Downtown Business District where Joven works, maybe he's working today? Nope, move on Pann.

"City offices are usually closed this week," Hannah says, she must've caught me looking. "That's the Forbidden Cave; not because it's evil, but because it's unsafe for over a hundred or so years now."

"Does anyone ever go in there?" I ask while trying to peer into the tunnel.

"Well, it is called Forbidden for a reason," she laughs "but just so everyone stays safe. Some have ventured in, but it's not encouraged."

I smile as I pass the Reflection Room and think again of Michael, hoping he will get to be with his fiancé' after this week is up. When we pass a darker tunnel, I can't help but be curious. What history lies within?

Continuing on, I secretly plan to come back later on my own, if I get the chance. We pass a Mexican Restaurant "Pass the Salsa", a hardware store "Duct Tape Doesn't Fix Everything", the grocery store "Five Loaves of Bread," and the first Ancient Tunnel.

"Do the Ancient Tunnels not have names?" I ask while looking down at the entrance.

"No, we just call them #1 and #2," she laughs, "not very original, but it works."

We go over another little bridge, passing an empty store, Dr. Woolsly's office, "In a Pork's Eye," and the Dewstone Library. Up and over another little bridge, we come to Ancient Tunnel #2, "Petal Pushers," which is the florist shop and back to the Central Control Room.

"Wow," I say looking back at our trek around the cavern. "There's a lot here to eat and do, and I really love the playground located in front of City Hall. And the Hot Springs Pond in the fork of the river, in front of the Library and Dr.'s Office."

"Yes, we are very proud of our town, and the fountain as you can see keeps our town bright." Hannah smiles and you can see the pride in her face, same as Joven.

"So, Hannah, why is that one store empty?" I ask looking back between the doctor's office and Ancient Tunnel #1.

"Well, it used to be a bicycle repair shop called "Lets Wheel Away," but since no one bikes down here, the owner moved his store to UpAbove. Everyone here walks, but often Dewbies will take their bikes up to the fountain park and bike."

An idea pops into my head, but then right back out again before it stays for any length of time. I'm heading home in five days, no need to make plans that will never happen. My future life will not be down here, but it is lovely and I will miss it.

"At first, I thought the cavern area looked a little drab, due to all the buildings being so similar in shades of white. But now, I see the beauty in the simplicity of the buildings, flowers, pathways, bridges, and picnic areas. The artist in me, wanted to paint every place a different color, but now I wouldn't change a thing. The neutral colors, make for a beautiful contrast to the colorful town people. Now, where do we eat?" I add, as my stomach grumbles.

"Let's go to 'A Slice of Italy,' they have the best hot sub sandwiches." I nod in agreement with Hannah, and off we go. It's a late lunch and no doubt I'll skip supper. I can't help but wonder where Joven is? Has he eaten? Will I run into him? Does he even miss me? Stop it Pann, moving on; remember?

Hannah opens the door, and I stop for a brief moment, and look around. I know I haven't been here before, but I just feel something.

"Anything wrong?" Hannah asks, still holding the door open.

"No, just felt something warm caress along my shoulders, weird huh?" I shrug and walk into the restaurant. I barely hear Hannah mutter "very interesting," then smiles and she follows me inside. The day has been relaxing and mostly drama free, just being near Hannah I feel very peaceful.

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Author's note: Finally, a better glimpse of Dewstone... I really enjoyed writing about the different kind of stores and just establishing the sheer size of the downtown area. 

Please do me a favor and hit the Like button..... makes me dance a little jig every time :)  Reminder; "Youth's Mist" is available on Amazon and "Youth's Dew" soon to be released as well.