The Tale of Matilda and James Park

Hello traveler, welcome to the town. It's the end of Autumn and you seem lost. Let me tell you a tale; of ones that that are lost, and what people do to fill the hole of their missing ones. It takes place in this very village; well not here but miles away. There is a small house that houses two. An old man, and a teenage girl. They would do everything together. From fishing in a nearby lake to exploring the forests. It was around this time; not long ago the man died.

The girl was grief ridden when she found the man dead in his bed with only a note on his nightstand. It read: I'm sorry to leave you so soon, but I fear I'll not be around any longer. Don't be too upset when I'm gone though. I need you to do one last favor for me. I want you to travel the many miles to the village; and find someone of the name James Park. Thank you Matilda.

I cried so much that day. I missed him already. We were so close, and he just left. Weeks passed and I wouldn't even go into his room. As I buried him under the tree next to our small house I realized that I had a mission. My grief was replace with determination and I started packing. I made sure to get plenty of food and water and pack his letter. Off I went, on foot, through the winter snow.

I was wearing my brown sweater and my fluffy white coat, but I didn't think I would get this cold. I forgot to pack a blanket. "Of course I forget to pack a blanket!" I thought as a settled for the night. I was not even a mile away from my house before it got dark. The snow was rocky as a laid down in the open sea of winter's tears. "Tomorrow, will be better." I hoped as I layed down for the night.

The next morning I had a small meal, then continued my hike. I went for as long as possible, not stopping until my body screamed for food and water. Running would be faster, but it would take more energy and that meant using more of my supplies. I was stuck hiking through the snow and ice; not noticing when a stray dog started following me. He was a thin husky. When I turned around I saw him. He was so cute I couldn't help but give him some of my food and water. As I continued my trek; the dog followed me. I named him Peter, the old man's name.

Two weeks passed and I was almost out of food. I was starting to think I would never reach the town. That was, until I saw the outline of houses and shops in the distance. "Peter look! The town!" Peter barked happily as we started running to the outlines. When we finally reached the town we were shivering, our bodies covered in snow. I saw a young boy, who seemed to be looking for something, look at us. He looked at me, then the dog and his eyes lit up with joy. Making quick paces he strode over to us.

"Peter!" He bent down and pet the husky. I was surprised he knew his name.

"Do you know Peter?" I asked.

"Yeah. How do you know his name?"

"I gave him that name."

"I gave him that name, after my grandfather."

"I named him after my only friend. Was your grandfather an old man that lived far from town?"

"Yeah. I didn't get to see him often. When I found Peter here I named him after my grandfather, but he went missing for two years. I never saw him, thank you so much for bringing him here!"

I didn't know the dog had an owner, I never looked at the collar. I started thinking that this could be James Park, the boy I came all this way for. I never thought I would find him so soon. "You can never be sure until you ask." Peter's (the old man) voice rang through my head. That's what I'll do. "Uh is your name James Park?" I asked nervously.

"Yeah I'm James Park why?" How should I explain this? That possibly your grandfather sent me to find you so I wouldn't be lonely. How could I tell him his grandfather was dead? "Uhh are you okay?" I didn't notice the boy, now named James, was waving his hand in my face.

"Sorry. I guess I got lost in my own world." I replied. James told me to come to his house to get warmed up.

"You're saying my grandfather, Peter, died and wants me to come with you to his house?" James inquired while handing me a cup of herbal tea.

"I'm sorry to say, yes." Tears started rolling down our faces. "Will your parents agree to letting you come with me?" I asked him mournfully.

"My parents... aren't around anymore. This was their house."

"I'm sorry for your loss. You must've lost everything now. Your parents, your dog, your grandfather."

"But I have you now; right?"

"Yeah." I finished my tea and got up from the worn couch I was sitting on. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yep." Our spirits were lifted as we walked out of the house, Peter (the dog) following us.

Surprisingly; they had a lot to talk about. Matilda and James made the two week trek to the house just in time for Spring. Now you know the tale of Matilda and James Park I think I have some warm tea ready in my place. Looks like you could use some. I don't mind if you stay with me for a while. Now come along, you don't want to get lost again. End