A week before their high school graduation, Ellie's boyfriend walked her to her door and kissed her goodnight, just like any other night. But there was nothing ordinary about what followed. Austin disappeared without a trace, never to be seen again...
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A slight breeze blew through the trees. It was early. The sun had just risen over the mountain tops, so the temperature was still very comfortable. Bear, me, and my brother were on our way back to the cabin. We'd taken our time and ran the long route, both to burn off some nervous energy, but also to check out our surroundings to make sure everything was the way it was supposed to be. To make sure we were safe.
It was quiet, but we were all on full alert and every little sound made us jump, Bear included. He sensed the tension in our bodies, even though both me and my brother did our best to remain calm for him and each other.
Everything appeared to be normal, but we knew from experience that it could change in an instant.
Once we got back to the cabin, we spent some time practicing our martial arts while Bear laid by his water bowl and kept watch. His ears twitched occasionally and he let out a quick bark a couple of times, but he remained in place, which meant we were safe. For now.
For how long we would be safe was a different question altogether. I kept wondering how long it would take for whoever it was that was searching for us to find our hiding spot? And whether we were truly safer here than in Boston?
"Alright, that's it for today," my brother said and wiped the sweat off his face. "I'll go shower while you feed Bear."
"Okay," I chuckled, finding it funny that he left the work to me, but then Bear was my dog.
Bear had heard his name, and he was already on his feet, eager to get inside. "Ready to eat, bud?" I asked.
It seemed like he smiled as looked back at me with his big brown eyes and the tongue hanging halfway out his mouth. He was so damn cute, and such a loyal and smart dog. Getting him was the best thing I ever did.
Bear followed me through the cramped cabin. It wasn't very big to begin with, but since we filled it with our moving boxes and most of my brother's computer equipment, it was even tighter than normal. Bear was on my heels as I navigated through the mess into the galley-style kitchen.
He waited somewhat patiently while I got his food ready, and while he ate, I opened a fresh bag of coffee and started the coffeepot. It was going to be a long weekend trying to get things sorted out. That bag of coffee would be essential.
"Smells good," my brother said as he stepped into the kitchen while rubbing a towel over his wet hair.
"Yeah, it'll be done in a minute," I responded and gestured towards the coffee pot. "I'm showering."
After breakfast and another walk, Bear fell asleep on his bed in front of the fireplace. My brother sat down at the dining table, which he used as his temporary office set up. It didn't take long before his fingers flew over the keyboard.
"Have you gotten any closer to figuring out who the guy is that's been watching the office?" I asked from my spot on the couch.
"No, but at this point, I'm pretty sure we're not the only ones looking for him."
