The Awakening

Chapter 4

(5)

"That's quite the story you have, Abe," the old man said. He finished the last of his wine in one gulp. "The robed figure and the phrase... what was it? It is time? Could you describe it to me as best you can?"

"I guess I could try." Abe had finished his third plate and Hobbes was curled up on the floor beneath the table, lightly snoring. "Like I said, I was just walking down the rocky path..."

The old man held up his hand. "Road son, the right word for that is road. Not a word that's used anymore these days, but just so you know, that's the correct way to say it." He realized he had interrupted his guest and sat back, "I'm sorry, go ahead."

Abe continued. "Ok, so I was walking down the... road," careful to mimic the exact way the old man pronounced it, "when I saw the robed figure. At first I thought it was just a man, but when he... it, came closer I didn't know what it was. He stopped in the road and knew my name. When I stepped closer he grabbed my shoulders and pulled me in. I felt no fear, actually I was completely calm. When he pulled me in I saw nothing, only heard the voice saying over and over, it is time, it is time... After that I woke up and it was dark. I lost the entire day and don't hardly remember anything else." Abe lifted his eyes off the table and up to the old man. "What do you think it all means? I felt fine at the time, but now, the more I think about it, I'm just terrified. Time for what? How did he know my name? I have so many questions!" Abe leaned forward and buried his face in his hands. "I don't know what to do anymore." After a long, silent moment he wiped his eyes and looked back at the old man for answers.

The old man saw real fear in Abe's eyes and decided that now may be a good time to stop. "Easy now son, just forget it. We can talk about all that later. Here, have another cup of wine. I know it tastes terrible but it'll take the edge off and you'll sleep easier."

Before Abe could finish the cup, his eyelids felt heavy and sleep crept up on him. "I'm sorry, but if I sit here any longer I'll fall asleep on your table. Do you have somewhere I can lay down?"

"Of course, I do. Here let me make you a comfortable spot. I hope the floor is ok." The old man disappeared into his tiny bedroom for a moment and brought out an old blanket and pillow he had made. He arranged a nice spot on the floor where Abe could sleep, and even made a small bed for little Hobbes, right next to Abe.

"Tomorrow we start work son, I know we haven't known each other long, but I feel you and I have come together by more than mere chance, but for now," he paused and smiled, "for now we sleep, and it seems your little fella has beaten us to it!" He slapped Abe on the back and crawled into his own bed in the adjacent room. The old man's bed looked much more comfortable, but in a matter of moments, Abe fell sound asleep.

(6)

The following morning Abe jerked himself from his sleep. Last night seemed so much like a blur that he wasn't sure if it was all just a dream. Waking up with four walls around him sent his mind spiraling into a fit of claustrophobia. His entire life had been spent sleeping outdoors and now he lay with a pillow under his head and a blanket over his body. He reached over to find some comfort in his friend, Hobbes, and realized the little guy was nowhere to be found. Abe shook his head and laughed. Of course, he was still at the old man's house, but where could Hobbes be? He jumped to his feet and dashed to the door, imagining the worst. Abe flung open the cabin door to see the old man picking corn in one of his small fields. Hobbes, following dutifully behind him full of optimism, sure that food would soon follow.

The old man looked up to see Abe standing in the doorway, and waved. "Nice to see you awake Abe! How's that arm feel?"

Abe stretched out his arm and examined it. He had forgotten about the wound for a moment in his search for Hobbes, but the dull throbbing in his arm began drumming on again, echoing along with his heartbeat. "It feels fine. Still sore but feels better today," he said.