Hudsonville: Tales of the Hunted

Chapter 2: How the Cookie Crumbles

The immediate entrance of the building bore home to a quaint reception area, with little zen waterfalls and a wide decorum of trinkets and knick-knacks from all over the world nestled on the front desk. Clattering away on a double-decker keyboard, twitching its mandibles, a shadowy creature appeared to play the role of receptionist. The thing was long and coiled, covered in legs, something akin to an insect you'd find when turning over a stone. Its six bright green eyes all blinked in unison as it turned its sail-shaped head toward the arrivals.

"Mr. Hudson!" It chimed, welcoming him cheerily with a warped, yet distinctly feminine voice. Its dialect was oddly friendly and midwestern, betraying the creature's enigmatic and alien features. "Ope! And who's this ya brought in?"

"This is Mr. Andy Kessler," Hudson said. "He's gonna be stayin' with us for a while."

Before Andy could protest, the bug-creature had already extended one of its mantid appendages and initiated a shake.

"Ooh, pleased to meetcha!"

Andy did not appear too pleased—in fact, he was scared stiff by the thing, making no motion to reciprocate the gesture. The creature cocked its head, and retracted its leg.

"Is he alright?" The creature asked.

"He's fine, just a little spooked, I reckon. Don't imagine he's seen one of you before," Hudson gave Andy a light pat on the arm before jabbing his thumb toward the insectoid. "This's Snoozie, my right-hand woman."

Ah. So it's a 'she', Andy noted mentally before speaking.

"W-What is she?"

"Snoozie's an Onierovore, a dream-eater. Her job's usually pretty self explanatory, but during the daytime,"

The creature's head bobbed toward Hudson. "...I keep this one on track."

Hudson nodded. "She helps me manage my thoughts. Lots to keep track of in a place like this."

Andy nodded along, his eyes remaining fixed on the translucent being with some wary suspicion. He had learned all he cared to know about the creature, and was more than eager to move on.

"Does he have a place to stay?" Snoozie asked. Hudson looked toward the boy with consideration, lips pursed. A slow breath was drawn, a few nods of the head given, the man really seeming to draw this out for dramatic effect.

"Yeah. I've got somethin' cooking—tell you what, boy," Hudson gave Andy a hefty pat on the shoulder. Any sense of comfort the boy had was practically knocked out of him. "I've got this cabin, down by the reservoir. Built it myself, twenty-odd years ago—don't use it too much these days. How's about we get you settled in there for now, just 'til somethin' a little more permanent rolls along?"

"Well, sir, I don't reckon I'm too comfortable bunkin' with strangers." Andy said. Hudson laughed.

"You ain't gonna be bunkin' with nobody, rest assured. Fine young man like yourself, should be more than capable of makin' things work."

It was somewhat relieving to hear, though it only served to spark more anxiety in the long run.

"What would I do for food? For cash? Do I gotta pay utilities—bills?"

"You don't need to worry too much about that, boy. Wildlife's abundant in the mountains—easy to catch. We've got public gardens, plenty of fruit trees. Most stalls in the marketplace are willing to dish out some meals for a feller who's willin' to do a little work. As for utilities, that's covered. I wouldn't worry too much."

Easy for you to say, Andy thought. This here's your rodeo, not mine.

The boy's back slouched, his round face pouting. There seemed to be, as Hudson had put it, no way out but through. The boy bit his lip and nodded his head, keeping his eyes affixed to the marble floor.