Distant Road

The Stranger In The Woods

It was still considerably dark outside. I couldn't see the unfamiliar figure who emerged from the woods. I held my gun up at the figure and repeated myself.

"This is private property and I'm asking you one last time to tell me who you are or I will shoot."

The figure walked toward me and Luna started to bark. I could see the figure lift it's arms. After a few more moments of silence, a deep, husky voice entered the air between us.

"Please, I didn't mean to startle you. I've been traveling for some time now. I got lost and I haven't eaten in days."

One would think that I'd be sympathetic to his words but I've lost everyone I've ever loved. I learned a while ago to keep my distance from people and I built this wall up making sure no one ever could ever get to me.

"If you walk about 5 miles to your left, you'll come up to a road. If you take that road north a few more miles you'll hit a small diner. They open at 8 and it's," I glanced down at my watch for a split second to check the time, "it's 6:10 so you should get there right when it opens if you start walking there now."

The man sighed and stepped closer to me.

"Ma'am, as I said, I've been traveling for some time now. Would it be too much trouble if I asked you for a ride?"

I looked over at my truck with uncertainty. The only time I ever drove into town was when I needed groceries and I usually stocked up on food enough to last me months. I couldn't remember the last time I went anywhere besides the local grocery store. Then I thought about what Julie would do. She would have brought him into our house like she did with Maggie. But I couldn't trust this man. I hadn't even gotten a look at his face.

"Alright I'm going to get my keys. Please don't move from that spot."

I didn't wait for an answer as I backed up towards my front door making sure not to turn my back on him. When I reached the door I lowered my gun and went inside to grab my keys. Before walking back outside I checked to see how many shells I had in my gun. I was fully loaded and prepared to do whatever it took to protect myself.

When I walked outside Luna wasn't where I left her. She had planted herself at this strangers feet and he was gently petting her. I unlocked my truck and Luna jumped up into the back. I walked to the drivers side and got in. I didn't look over when he opened the passengers side door and got in. I turned on the engine and proceeded to back up. I then turned and got on the small dirt road towards the main road. It was getting brighter outside but I still didn't want to look over. I could feel his eyes on me the entire drive. I thought he'd try to strike up a conversation with me but he just sat there intently looking at me.

When we arrived at the diner, it was still early but for some reason the diner was opened. I guess they changed their hours. I unlocked the doors and waited for him to leave.

"Let me buy you breakfast, it's the least I could do."

I couldn't remember the last time I had fresh pancakes with bacon and eggs. I didn't really want to interact with anyone. I guess I couldn't really pass up the chance for some good food. Before responding I took my first look at him.
He was younger than I expected. He looked a few years older than me and he had blonde hair that looked like pure gold. He was scruffy, perhaps from traveling but it suited him. He was gorgeous to say the least. I quickly snapped out of the trance I was in and cleared my throat.

"I'll come inside, but I can pay for my own meal thank you."

He nodded and we both stepped out of the truck. When we walked into the diner I got a few looks from the locals. They see me at the grocery store once in a while but there's been some talk about how I'm rarely ever seen.
We both took a seat at a booth and a nice waitress came to take our order. When she left, the man sitting across the table looked at me.

"These people really enjoy staring at you huh?"

I took another look around and nodded my head.

"Why is that, uh—"

I assumed he was looking for my name. I was hesitant to give it to him but I'd already stepped way outside of my comfort zone.

"Ryan."

I said it bluntly and I could almost see a grin flash across his face.

"I'm Karter. So why do they stare?"

I knew I said I stepped outside of my comfort zone but telling this guy my business was not something I planned on doing. When he figured he wouldn't get an answer he sat up straighter in the booth.

"I didn't mean to upset or offend you. I know it was very suspicious when a random stranger steps out of the woods asking for food. Awhile ago I lost someone I cared very deeply about. I decided to go away and travel across the country. Sometimes I get a little carried away, hence getting lost in the woods." He chuckled slightly and I studied him.

It was the first time in 8 years, I'd met someone who saw tragedy. I softened up a bit and he smiled at me.

Our food came and he immediately started to eat. He stopped, noticing I was staring at him, he looked up from his plate and laughed with a mouthful of food. For the first time in I don't know how long, I laughed.

For some strange reason he reminded me of someone. I couldn't put my finger on it.
After we ate he insisted he pay for the meal. By this point I was wrapped up in his charm and I hated myself for it.

"So where are you staying?" I asked him as we walked out to my truck.

Luna barked in the back and I went to pet her.

"Actually, I don't have anywhere right now." He looked down at the ground almost as if he was mad at himself.

I knew what I was about to say would be something I'd end up regretting. I had no idea why I said it but it came out and I meant it.

"You can stay with me. I have a spare bedroom and I never have company."

He looked up at me and gave me a million dollar smile. God was he gorgeous.

"You'll enjoy my company?" He was still showing off that smile of his.

"I think it would be new and different." I smiled back and we hopped into the truck.