Last night, after jotting my entry, I heard scuffling in the nearby brush. As I watched to see who, or what, was making the noise, Scooter dropped in, almost directly in front of the intruder. Fearing a fox, or even something bigger, I grabbed my spear and leaped into action. I shouted to Scooter to get into our shelter. Right at that moment, I saw a flash in the woods. Panic flashed, and my pace picked up. I was running full force towards the sound. As I got within a few steps of the treeline, a man steps out. I stopped dead in my tracks. Next thing I know, there's a woman by his side. I'm just standing there, gape-mouthed, staring. Nothing is said for quite a while.
"Who are you? What are you doing at my camp?", I finally stammered. "How long have you been watching me? Where are we?" I just kept going with the questions. They remained silent as I rambled, "What are you doing here? Did you kill someone, too? Do you have a camp nearby?" By this time, I think I might have been just talking to keep them from acquiring power. "What do you want? Why are you here? What were you going to do to my duck?" Finally, I ran out of breath.
Calmly, the man responds, "I am Peter."
"And, I am Theresa," the woman continues. "We saw your campfire going, and decided this was the best time to approach you."
"We first saw you two weeks ago, and have checked in a few times," continued the man. "Where we are is not important."
"You'll find the answers as you need them," the woman picked up as if on cue. This all seemed very scripted. She continued, "We are just watching over you."
"We mean you no harm. And, no, we haven't killed anyone," he chimed right in. "I'm certain that you haven't either."
"We do have a place up the mountain," she sounded almost welcoming. "But, we do not want any visitors."
"We just want to ensure your safe passage," said the man.
"Yes, we are here merely to give you guidance so that you can find your own way home." By now, she sounded like she was trying to sound mysterious.
Then the both laughed, "We mean no harm to your duck," said the man. "Scooter, was it?" I nodded. "we only wanted to speak with you."
Her face turned suddenly serious, "We just want to help you find your way home. You're a good person, but you're confused. You can find your way. You will find your way, but you need a light. We can help you. Just keep in mind what we've told you, and we will cross paths again."
At that, they both turned and headed out, through the trees, heading north. I finally caught my breath only to have Scooter flying right at me. I raised my arms just in time to cover my face. As he collided with my arms, I woke up. Yes, he was coming straight for my face, but I'd been asleep. There were no visitors. The Guardians of the Mountain didn't exist. I'd merely dreamed them up, perhaps just to ease my conscience. Either way, I've changed my mind. I may be here to be punished, but I'm being tested. It's not Job-like yet, but it could get there, and I'm prepared. The good news is that I don't have to be a wife beater or a murderer. I can wait to figure all that out. Like they said in my dream, I'll find my way.
Who are Peter and Theresa, though?
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