The Life of Riley Hunter Chapter 2

For those who have been waiting for this- here it is! I hope you will be pleasantly surprised by what Riley finds at the rivers bank.

         The Life of Riley Hunter

                   Chapter 2

I woke up one morning, rubbed the sleep from my eyes then got up. I had almost forgotten where I was, yet soon realized I was high up in the Arizona mountains. In a large cave that I now called home.

As I trudged over to brew some “joe”to drink, but soon realized I needed some fresh water first. So I put some pants on to go down to the river. Climbing down the hillside I breathed in the clean fresh air. It was nice to see the blue sky once again, not the dark clouds that had loomed over the land.

As I reached the edge of my river, I saw her! This woman on the other side stepping into the water. She smiled a sweet smile, and shone what seemed to be a gracious personality. But underneath was a different story, slowly a subtle cruelty began to come through. You never know how people are going to act these days.

So I was cautious about my movements, yet I smiled back and said hello. These are tough times not just for me, but everyone that is still alive. I decided to throw caution to the wind, and speak to her despite how her demeanor was. As I was saying there is a lot of distrust that seems to be rampant since the last election. The only friends I have are down in the little town I go to pick up any personal needs.

I mustered up the strength to ask if she would care to come up for a nice cup of coffee. Soon she stood up, and looked directly into my eyes then smiled again. I could tell she was pondering over what I just asked her, debating whether she could trust me. I replied “ hey it's alright if you don't, I mean you no harm. It's just I rarely see anyone brave enough to venture out into this part of Arizona. Its kinda remote, which is why I chose to live up there.”

I pointed up to an opening, not far from the ground; yet high enough to keep what animals that roamed the area still. The woman quietly waded across the river in a spot that didn't seem to deep. Soon she was about 5 yards from where I was standing. I started to walk towards her, and she backed away. So I stopped, again smiled, then replied “ My name's Hunter, first name Riley. I have been living out here for the better part of 10 or so years. Come up, have some hot coffee and something to eat, looks like you're hungry. When was the last time you had a bite to eat? Oh no matter, I got lots of food, anything you want........ so come see what I call home!”

I turned taking my jug of water, and began to climb back up to my cave. Hoping this woman was following me, and going the way I was. You could get hurt if you didn't follow a certain path. As I entered the cave, there was enough light to see inside. I walked over to my makeshift kitchen and began to brew some deep rich black coffee. I saw out of the corner of my eye, she had made her way up and was cowering in a corner. I never said anything, but began to hum one of my favorite songs. Letting her get the feel of the place, she soon went and sat down on one of my leather couches.

When the coffee was done, I poured two cups then set them on a tray with some sugar and cream packets. Never having company I was a little on the nervous side. But I managed to not spill a drop of the coffee, setting it down onto the large wooden spool I used as a coffee table. I turned to go get the box of donuts I had picked up from the diner the day before. Then brought it over and set it down next to the tray.

Still she looked hesitant in taking one of the cups, I looked at her as if to say ' its alright.' So she slowly reached forward to take a cup, sipping the hot black liquid. I could swear I heard an 'ahhh' sound coming from her. As I put some cream and sugar into mine, a smile came over my face. She grabbed a packet of sugar to put in her own, stirred a bit then took a drink.

I reached down and opened the box of donuts to take one. I looked up at the woman and said “ help yourself, they're fresh but wont last long.”

She glanced over and saw an array of the tasty treats she'd almost forgot had ever existed. Taking the only maple bar, she devoured it in no time. Then she took a drink of coffee, and began to relax a little. I just sat quietly drinking my coffee and eating my glazed donut.

I wanted to ask this woman what her name was, but decided against pushing my luck. I saw she wanted more coffee, so I got up and retrieved the coffee pot to fill her cup again.

She quietly muttered “ thank you.”

Again I smiled while filling my own cup up. As I walked back to the kitchen area, I sighed. She looked my way and smiled back. Walking back to my easy chair, I poured a packet of sugar and cream into my coffee then stirred it. As I picked up the cup I heard a rumble from far off, so I set my cup back down and went to the entrance to look out.

There were dark ominous black clouds looming off to the left, and heading this way. Different from what I had normally seen, these were actually storm clouds. And impending rain shower would be coming my direction. I turned and said to the woman, who I assume was devouring her third donut,

“ It's a good thing your up in here, no telling how long this storm will last. This is the first one we've had in years. Maybe it will clean some of the stench from the area too.”

She rose from the couch, and came to where I was standing. As she looked out her body shivered, that's when I realized her clothing was still wet from wading across the river.

“ oh hey I am so sorry. Where are my manners, let me get you some dry clothes. I will rustle up a blanket, no telling if this rain will be cold or not. If it is I can build a fire to keep us warm. Does that sound good to you?” I stated.

All she did was shake her head 'yes', then look back out as the clouds began to roll in at a faster pace. I turned and proceeded to go to the farthest part of the cave, this is where I kept the trunks of clothes. Finding some clothes that I hoped would fit her, along with an extra blanket. I walked over to the couch where she had gone back to finish her coffee.

I said “ here's a change of clothes, I hope they fit. And a blanket to wrap up in, just in case it gets cold. You can change over there behind that screen. I'm going to check on how the weather looks.”

Again all she said was 'thanks'; I assumed she still didn't fully trust me. I stood looking out and watched as the blue sky became dark. This was going to be one hell of a storm. I turned to mention that she may have to stay awhile, but she was curled up under the blanket. So I turned back around and watched as the rain as it began to lightly come down on the land.

For so long this place was known as a dry, arid place where little grew outside of cacti and sagebrush. The only critters being coyotes, snakes, lizards, and what insects could survive in this harsh, hot environment. But this cave, my new home stays cool most of the time, and during the few winter months I light up the fire pit that I made in the middle of the cave. This makes it a warm, cozy hideaway.

The storm lasted for nearly two days, yet it was a warm rain. The river seemed to get fuller and wider, which I'd hope bring more fish down this way! Bringing more of a variety for me to eat. And the vegetation would hopefully grow once again making everything green and lush.

The woman was still timid around me, so I didn't push her to talk any. I just went about my usual things, almost acting as if she weren't here. Except when meal time came around, I would of course fix her a plate. Which she hungrily consumed like she wasn't sure where her next meal would be coming from. Once I snickered at the way she was eating. She looked over at me with daggers, so I said “ I'm sorry, it wasn't very polite of me to laugh at you. I just want you to know you are welcome to stay as long as you like. I'm going out hunting later- just to see if I can find a deer or rabbit. I'm sure you are tired of eating fish for dinner.”

She shook her head 'yes', then went back went back to eating, and drinking the fresh spring water I had brought up from the river earlier in the day. It seemed she could never get enough food or drink into her body. I began to wonder how long she'd been traveling? More importantly where she came from- the east or west?

I suppose it doesn't matter, when she's ready to talk this female will tell me everything. For now it's nice to have some company, even if she is not speaking much. I sit down in my easy chair to pick up the book I am currently reading, and open to the page marked. I ignored her while she wandered through the expansive cave. Glancing up to see she was perusing through my many books I had collected from the past century.

Author's Note

I will post the reason for the delay in putting this writing up soon!