The Traveler

Looking down to the face looking up to his, tells her, “If you think this is hell, you are mistaken.”

Looking as though she is on the verge of shouting differences, instead of that, Lilly does a slow turn in finding her spot in front of the fire and once cross-legged, she goes back to writing in the sky. To whom he will never know and letting that piece of knowledge fall away, pulls forth the plate and its matching cup.

Tea poured; he is met with that immediate refusal which crumbles under his unwavering hand. Next up in making an appearance in front of her is the cup’s matching plate loaded up with the fire cooked rabbit. This time, there is no refusal as relief is a grateful smile.

Of all that is left, his, and with their meal shared in silence, outside of the firelight, nocturnal creatures are making noise in foraging under a night sky that for the moment is clear. And being that it is, the air is crisp like a freshly picked apple that has him noticing Lilly hugging the fire.

Figuring it is worth a shot, places one of the totes between them. “What I am thinking is that most of the clothes are probably too big for the kid. There might be something in here for you though.”

“What kid?”

“A girl half your age was taken from her mother by the same three men who stole your mule.”

“Wow, have any more good news you would like to share?”

“Only that this is full of clothes that are in much better shape than what you have on.” She looks like he just slapped her but instead of running away crying, Lilly breaks the seal, and after the tote’s lid is set aside, “Oh, wait,” comes out in that happy, surprised way that has her holding up a down vest. On it goes, and seeing a growing smile, Lilly points out, “And look at all of the wool sweaters!” Nimble fingers dig further. “There are jeans, some socks, oh look! Boots that might actually fit me. So, I’ll take this and this, not that, okay, I’ll be right back.” Thinking he should have mentioned what was inside the other tote, too late for that has he uncapping the other tote.

Inside is a bedroll and a never used two-person tent.

An easy setup, and satisfied with his work, concern grows into panic as he hears Lilly screaming out his name. “Traveler! Traveler! Hurry! Traveler!”

Swift are his eyes making needed adjustments and with stride fueled, comes alongside Lilly doing all she can in freeing a dog’s foreleg pinned under a large rock.

“It’s too heavy to move. If you can help, together, maybe we can him set him free.”

One look has him believing that this was no accident. “Easy fella,” is all he says in rolling away the pressure that has the dog squirming out from under. Gratitude comes in the form of licks to the face and holding the dog close, Lilly looks up to him. “His leg is really bad. Can you help him?”

“There is a first aid kit in my pack, so I’ll do what I can but there is no guarantee.”

Scooping the dog up in her arms, Lilly says, “Lead the way.”

If the defenseless dog could talk, three men having a laugh come to mind, and troubled by the thought, cuts away the last of the matted fur before applying an ointment made of healing properties. Lilly, watching his every step while holding onto, carries a concerned look on her face that he wants to go away. “It’s not as bad as it looks. In a day or two, your new friend will be himself again. In the meantime, let’s give him some water and don’t be surprised if he falls into a deep sleep. It's the ointment working its magic.” There is no hiding the tears falling that has him looking away to the leftover tea. Too good to waste, fills Lilly’s cup first, and then puts what remains in his. With the empty pot set on the ground, fills it three quarters full. After an easy slide over, the dog needs no introduction and with injured leg tucked up, marvels at its balance when he catches Lilly saying, “Where did that come from?”

“The tent is for you.” He leaves it at that until a thought occurs, “You should make the little fella a bed out of some of these clothes. It will make him feel safe which is a good thing when one is healing.”

“I guess I can do that,” she says. “A few of these sweaters are way too big for me anyhow.” Lilly pulls one out and holding it up, says, “See what I mean.” With proof on the floor, Lilly scoops up the dog and as she goes to standing there with her arms full, lets him know of her intentions. “I’m going to stay with him so, I guess this is goodnight.”

“I understand.”

Rain fly in place, and with entrance zippered closed, adds to the fire while feeling like a security guard until Izzo’s tea brings sleep.