Strangers of Sea & Land

Chapter 17

Brad's Pov

I lingered in the doorway, hesitant to approach the weeping girl. Her long hair shrouding her face in a veil of chocolate darkness.

The trembling figure was a shock, why had Father's maps lead me here?

Taking a few strides, I kneeled beside the girl, realizing it was Katt, I gasped.

"Katt..what happened? Are you alright?" I asked urgently.

She froze as she studied my face, surely as surprised as I was. This wasn't exactly the best place to meet again.

She sniffled and wiped the tears away with her hands, lips still quivering slightly.

"I-I..I'm fine..now at least. I'm sorry you had to see that.." She croaked out, almost in whisper.

"No, I barged in without realizing someone must own this old shed."

"Well I don't blame you, I hadn't known this place even existed until a few days ago." I gestured at the cobwebs in the corners of the room and the dust floating about.

"Oh well then, do you know what's in here? My dad..I mean his maps and papers suggested something important was here." I regretted saying it as soon as it came out of my mouth. Now she'll want to know more. Damn it!

Katt shook her head and shrugged, as she stood up, I did as well.

Now in a closed space, I suddenly realized that she was slightly taller than me, but very thin and lanky. Her clothes fit loosely around her, save for her skinny jeans.

"I don't know what my mom stuffed in here, I've found these old mythology books and these ancient maps of the ocean. I wouldn't know where she even got these from," I explained. "She wasn't very into all this stuff anyway, never brought it up when we were kids either."

I nodded along. Her mother had all this? Seems like our parents knew each other a lot better than they let on.

I quickly tried to brighten the mood, "Well I guess I'm trespassing then, huh?"

Chuckling, I was glad that I could bring a soft grin onto her face.

We started talking more about her childhood, she needed due time to mourn since she hadn't been able to because of the busy school schedule.

But as I began remembering my father, the lamps dotting the small shed began to flicker.

Blinking on and off, catching Katt's attention.

She looked around seeming frustrated.

"These old power lines," She shook her head. "All the electricity in here must be cutting out."

"Oh, I see," I said calmly, hiding what I know was really happening. I noticed it the moment I stepped, the ancient runes scratched into the door frame, the iron plated floor, it all added up.

"Well, I'll be going then, sorry I burst like this! I was exploring the beach." Grinning wildly, I waved her goodbye and left.

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