Into Darkness We Walk

Perhaps Maybe Someday

"Okay, tryyyy trees."

" 'Trees are things that we should be; everywhere, but standing still, down-to-Earth, but high in the clouds, and giving without receiving anything in return'."

Smiling, Evan gave feedback: "Good, good, but try not to describe the object, you'll take away the beauty of the poem. Describe without actually describing."

Gavin nodded in understanding.

They had reached a part of Everett they'd never been to before; there was a lake, and beside that the remains of an apartment complex. As a matter of fact, they had seen quite a few apartment complexes on their walk that way, but these were the only ones that were out in the open.

Somewhere, a cat meowed. "Shh, Michael, they might be looters." A voice hissed.

Evan and Gavin froze in their tracks. "Hello?" Evan called. "Is someone there?"

There was the sound of running feet, which Evan followed with ease. "Hello?"

"Stay where you are!"

The duo whipped around to find a figure crouched in the darkness, holding something that resembled a pole in both hands. A cat crouching in a posture meant for attack was beside them. "What do you want?" They asked.

Gavin raised his hands, as did Evan. "Nothing! We don't want any trouble! Just passing through!" Gavin answered in fear.

Appearing confused, the figure stood. "Gavin?"

Now it was Gavin who was confused. The figure reached behind them and took out a cell phone, which they then shone the flashlight on Evan and Gavin. "Oh my God. Evan and Gavin. Holy crap."

"Do we know you?" Evan questioned.

They turned the flashlight on themselves. "It's me. Maxyne."

Evan stared, as did Gavin. "Oh, my God. What're you doin' here?" Evan asked, striding up to her and giving her a hug.

"I live here; well, lived. With my cat, Michael." When Evan let her out of the hug, she motioned down to her cat, who was now sitting and staring up at his owner.

"How did you survive the fire?" Gavin inquired.

Maxyne shrugged. "Dunno; I was out getting the mail with Michael when the fire suddenly whipped around us, devouring everything in sight except for me. Just lucky, I guess."

Shock; just shock, was all that Gavin could feel. How could someone survive such a close encounter with a fire of that magnitude?

Suddenly, Maxyne turned toward the road to her left, and she crouched down with the pole in her hands. Her cat went into attack formation.

"Go," she hissed to them, "go. Now."

"What about you?"

"I'll be fine. Now git."

There was a loud rustling, so Evan and Gavin ran the opposite way.