The trip back to the cave is uneventful. There was something going on several blocks away, but the sounds were odd, in that I just could not put them together into a cohesive guess. If I was not lugging a baby, I would have attempted to find out what was happening. As is, I thought it best to just keep going. I circle the cave, checking for signs of approach or entrance. My spider web is intact, no one is nearby, so I go in. I do not show Cindy any of this, not yet, maybe never. Some of these reset themselves, just adding to a counter quietly. I should be able to track her coming and going, party size, everything. In we go, to settle accounts.
When we get into the first room, I take off my jacket and hang it on a hook. I suggest she do likewise. Going on into the central area, I head for the central “room” and begin seeing to my gear. First I get everything out and off and set them on the table. Next, I check them off my list as present, stowing some things, putting my pistol and keys back, and moving my blade’s scabbard from my waste to my leg, instead of putting it up too, seeing that I now have unknown company. I look over the menu, and decide on a few things, grab the tea, and about to set up when I remember company. Cindy? She is just inside the main room, gazing around. Over here, are you hungry? “Well, yes, I suppose”. Well, come on over. I show her what is available and suggest she make herself at home. “Fresh tomatoes, apples, lots of vegetables actually! You do well for yourself. Do you mind?” Not at all, and, it’s summer. A little looking, a little care, a few seeds, and well, I make do. The jerky is all beef, but I will probably have to go to deer after this is out, in five years!” I laugh. She politely laughs, she just doesn’t understand how much jerky I have.
She really loads up on the fresh vegetables, taking only a sliver of jerky. She sets herself a place and is about to set when she remembers her goods and is about to go get them. NO! Eat, relax, it is safe and we will get to that. She is torn, but after considering, decides to enjoy her meal. It is pleasant to feed people. For some reason, it is a joy to me. Though I cooked none of this, I did tend, gather, and now provide it. That is enough for it to be enjoyed. I ask if she would wish some sugar or honey with her tea? “No, not this time. I really like the mint though.” I suggest every other pot of tea I make, or so, I add some mint.
After we finish our meal, I show her how I take care of disposable and non-disposable dining items. I suggest if she means to be here, she learn my ways. If she wishes to do more, fine, less is not so tolerated. As well, if I slack, it is my cave. I will not hear it. I also make it clear she is quite free to stay or go, temporarily or permanently. However, I would like to know her plans. Coming in while I am napping might not be a happy event, surprises do not suit me. She seems to understand, but one can never tell. “Oh, she says.”, and jumps up, clears her place as I have asked, and goes for her items.
Curious to see what she has brought with her. Still not enough info to know what she might be about.
ReplyDeleteLike I said, even I am unsure. The parts I have written, just a step or two ahead of what you have read, are not enough. The story just leads me as the writer, some false, some real, and some I will get wrong and see rightly later. Such is life.
ReplyDeleteShe and the cat are the ones I am most curious about. Not as a to what with her, but as to who. Women! Ha.