Susan’s Secret. Ch 3. Getting to know each other. Fictional story

Susan’s Secret. Ch 3. Getting to know each other

Source

Matilda had sat next to the driver's seat, so I sat next to Susan in the back seat. I am sure that Matilda had made that decision in order for me to continue accompanying our mysterious guest.

During our trip to the town, Hank and Matilda talked trivia about the weather and other events that I did not pay attention to. From time to time I would glance at Susan. She simply watched the landscape, letting the breeze coming through the window caress her face. She held her hair so it wouldn't get caught in the wind.

Meanwhile, a thousand thoughts fluttered in my head. For me, she was a mystery. What was he doing in that place? I didn't understand why she only remembered her name? I didn't want to inquire about her strange behavior during her stay in the cabin, I simply attributed it to some effect of her amnesia. Perhaps her personality had taken a leap back to some period of her childhood or innocence. I was satisfied to think that surely the medical staff from the hospital could discover what has happened to her. However, for some reason, I felt a need to assist her and at the same time a strange feeling of familiarity towards her. At that moment I made my decision to help her in any way I could.

Suddenly, she looked at me, as if she was investigating my thoughts for a few seconds and then smiled. Again I was speechless. I was going to invent any comment, but she immediately continued to enjoy the scenery. The sun had risen over the mountains and its warmth was already felt, the greenery of the trees covered the scene; In the distance, I could see a small lake.

— I'm sure you'll soon recover your memory, dear — interrupted Matilda

— Do not worry Miss Wolf, the hospital has very good doctors — Hank added.

Susan nodded with a half smile, not saying a word.

Hank and Matilda continued their conversation. I remembered that I had to report what had happened to the sawmill company and take a few days off while helping Susan.

The trip passed quickly and without realizing we arrived at our destination.

Hank stopped in front of the county hospital.

— I remind you that you should go to the police station after going through the hospital so that they can take Miss Wolf's statement about what happened. Meanwhile, I'll take your information to Sheriff Garret.

— Very well — I answered

Before leaving he told us he would do everything possible to find out any information about Susan and would let us know as soon as he could. We thanked his valuable collaboration before getting off the vehicle.

Susan took Matilda's hands before getting out of the vehicle and thanked her for everything she had done for her.

— Don't worry, dear. I hope to see you soon and I hope you'll visit us again.

— I'm sure it will be sooner than you think — replied Susan. Both smiled.

We said goodbye to both.

Hank and Matilda left and we went to the hospital entrance.

— Hank is a good guy — I mentioned Susan

— Yes, he's ok

I have always had a feeling of anguish every time I enter a hospital. I have never been able to overcome my phobia against needles. But I had to stay strong in front of Susan.
— I must admit that I hate needles — confessed Susan while squeezing my forearm

Her confession made me reinforce more the bond I was developing towards her.

— You and me, both — I assured

We entered the reception room. Immediately we were flooded with the smell of alcohol and disinfectant that abounds in hospitals.

I was glad to recognize the face of the nurse on duty

— Good morning, Edna.

— Hello Sam! — Edna replied cheerfully — How can I help you?

— She's Susan Wolf

— Nice to meet you, Susan

Susan greeted with a smile

— Apparently, she has suffered a trauma and has no memories of what happened — I added

— I understand. Please fill out this form with the information you can remember and I'll take you to one of the health care cubicles

Unfortunately, there were not many personal data that we could complete. So Edna didn't refuse the squalidness of our written responses.

She soon led us to a small cubicle. Actually. it was a stretcher along with a small stool, both enclosed by plastic sliding curtains.

I didn't know whether to leave Susan alone or not, so she could talk freely with the doctor, so I made a slow move to try to leave. She sensed my movements and took me by the arm again, she furrowed brow and threatened

— Don't even think about it. If you run away, I'll do the same.

I was going to explain my reaction but the doctor opened the curtain suddenly and I decided to keep quiet.

— Miss Susan ... Wolf? — asked the doctor

Susan and I affirm with a nod

— I'm Doctor Johnson, please sit on the stretcher.

The doctor took a small flashlight and looked at Susan's pupils. Then he pulled up a machine to measure blood pressure and after adjusting it on her arm, it began to purr as it worked. He took his stethoscope and checked her breathing.

After doing all the routine exams, the doctor asked if she had any visible physical injuries or if she felt any particular pain. To which we both responded negatively at the same time.

— It is important that we do an MRI to rule out any internal lesion not visible.

The doctor explained that some traumas used to cause amnesia. It could be due to both physical and/or psychosomatic traumas, the latter caused by stressful situations.

He scribbled a few words on Susan's profile and then indicated that we should go to the MRI room and wait for the test. He called a nurse to show us the way.

Finally, after finishing the torturous exam. We met again with the doctor and we were glad to hear that there was no evidence of trauma. He referred us to the specialist neurologist at the hospital so that we could do other studies eventually to delve more deeply into the problem of her memory loss.

It was after two in the afternoon when we left the hospital.

— I know we promised Hank to go to the sheriff office. But would you mind if we had lunch?

— You've read my mind! I'm starving. — she answered.

I was worried about the fact that they didn't find any reason for her problem. But her comment about lunch comforted me. My grandmother had taught me about recovery patients, hunger was always a good symptom.

— Very well! I know the best place for us to have lunch! You're going to love it. Fortunately, it's a couple of blocks from here. Does it bother you if we walk?

— Of course not — she agreed

We walked to where I used to park Mike's food truck.

During the trip, I showed her the different places of the town. We passed Joe's barbershop; while we were doing it, I told her that I should shave since my beard was getting thick. She stopped and stroked it.

— I was not bothered by your beard; I think it makes you look attractive.

I must confess that I was moved by her caress and her compliment. I smiled and tried to tell her something about it, but again I froze. The words stuck in my throat. I had never received so much attention from a girl.

Fortunately, she returned the smile and continued walking. Changing the subject and returning from my state of catalepsy, I decided to tell her with pride that the next establishment was my favorite. The store for hunters (a place she didn't appreciate much)

— This place has the best and most modern items, including special ammunition for hunting. With the proper permission, you can even get a bazooka (I lied)

We then passed in front of Habib's clothing store, the town library and finally, we got to where Mike's food truck was.

As usual, the place was full and the mouthwatering smell of Mike's burgers made ours too.

— What's up? Mike!

Mike was a thick guy and very cheerful. He always knew how to make customers feel at home.

— Hello Sam! I see that you come well accompanied.

— She is Susan

Mike grabbed a rag from the counter and wiped his hands and held it out to Susan. She gave him a squeeze

— Nice to meet you, Mike. It smells very good what you're doing in there — she claimed.

— I've always said that you can meet a person, the way they shake hands. You gave me a good squeeze, young lady. I like you — Mike replied, smiling

Maybe Susan didn't talk much with people, but when she did, she left an impression.

— Give us 2 burgers to eat here. We are hungry — I urged

Susan nodded.

— Okay, something else? — Mike asked

— Yes, 2 sodas.

— All right. Please, take a seat.

We had to take one of the tables that were further away.

— Mike makes the best burgers in town. You'll love it — I assured

— I can hardly wait for them! — replied Susan pressing her lips with her teeth

I felt very happy at her side. I couldn't erase my smile from my face, a true one. While we waited, I got up to change the napkin holder that was empty for a full one and I took advantage of looking for the containers with Mike's famous garlic and cheese sauces. Upon returning, Susan had fixed her gaze on a young couple kissing passionately at one of the farthest tables.

— Susan? Hey!

— Susan! — I shouted for the second time when I saw that she was still submerged with the sight offered by the couple.

— Susan, don't stare at them. It's bad manners — I whispered.

— Sorry, what did you say? — she asked

I was going to tell her about the sauces, but Mike yelled at us from the truck

— Two burgers and two sodas for Sam!

— I'm coming — I shouted back.

I jumped and went to get the burgers, I brought them back to the table in a flash.

Before touching my food, I waited for Susan's reaction when trying her burger. She took a big bite and closed her eyes while tasting the piece.

— Is it delicious? What do you think? — I asked anxiously

After a few seemingly endless seconds, she still enjoyed the ecstasy of the combination of juicy spiced meat, combined with tomato, lettuce, and bacon encased in two tender buns. It gave the impression that she had gone and returned from heaven itself. Finally, she responded

— Yummy! It's too tasty! — she took a breath and continued — You have to congratulate Mike! — She took another bite

— He's a genius! — She added opening her eyes again.

I broke into laughter and turned to see Mike.

— She liked it, Mike!

She clapped and gave Mike a standing ovation. He laughed at first and took a bow. Other diners also imitated Susan and congratulated Mike.

Then an unexpected event happened for me. As usual, when I eat, I usually drink all the drinks before finishing my meal, so I turned to ask for another extra soda for myself.

— Mike! Another soda for me!

— On my way! — Mike yelled. He pulled a can from the refrigerator and threw it at us.

I tried to catch it, but my hand did not reach the path of the can. To my surprise, without letting go of her burger, Susan caught the can with her right hand, without making any effort.

— Good catch! — Mike yelled surprised, laughing again.

— Are you sure that you were not a right—center or center—fielder from the Cubs? — I asked for

— Cubs? — she answered confused while she passed me the can.

— They are a baseball team — I answered without giving much detail.

After finishing her burger, Susan asked me

— Can I have another one?

— Of course, you can — I answered and yelled at Mike — One more burger for the lady, Mike!

— Lady Mike? — Mike asked confused and joking

— You know what I mean, Mike!

Mike laughed again and responded

— Right away!

Soon, the burger was ready and Susan got up and went in search of it.

— Could you chop it in two half? — she asked

— Sure — Mike replied

When she came back to the table, I noticed that she had the burger cut in two halves.

— Do you want us to share the halves? — I asked for

She looked at me blushing.

— Uhm. I didn't know what you wanted ... too ...

I looked at her confused.

She left one half on her plate and then without saying anything else, she took the other half and walked away to where all the parked vehicles were and crouched behind one of them.

I was curious, so I decided to follow her and see what she was up to.

I found her talking to a small stray dog, which, due to its rather deplorable appearance, showed that it hadn't eaten for days.

— Do not worry. We are here to help. I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for if you go south — she claimed

—Do you also feed street dogs? — I asked — You probably worked in some animal protection institution.

— Maybe ... — she answered.

— I introduce you to Greg — added

— How do you know its name is Greg?

— It's a nice name, it also has Greg's face.

I thought to myself, "maybe she was joking or maybe she loved animals". She didn't pay attention to my silence.

— So long, my little fellow. I'm sure we'll meet again

She got up and smiled at me.

— Let's hurry, our food gets cold — she urged

We went back to the table. I took a glance at the dog as we leaving and it was staring us. I decided to forget the dog.

After finishing her other half, which she didn't share a bit with me, Susan congratulated Mike again for such a great meal before leaving. Mike was happy with her words. Definitely, Susan had something unique in communicating with people.

I said goodbye to Mike and we continued on our way.

I stopped for a moment and looked at her eyes. She put all her attention on me, getting closer. Staring at mine. Which thing paralyzed me for a moment.

Patiently she waited for my words to finally come out of my mouth.

— I would like us to deviate before returning home ... To my house ... — I corrected

Susan looked at me confused

— I mean, I wish you would stay in ... my ... home. If it does not bother you, of course. Uhm ... — I scratched my head and started to stutter — Or if you prefer ... you can stay in a room here in town. Uhm ... I know several places ... very nice and ... comfortable.

She shook her head and added

— Of course, I'll stay at your house, silly. I love your company

My heart was glad to hear that.

— What I was wondering was where are you going to take me?

— It's a surprise, trust me. We're going back to where we came from.

I took her hand and hurried the step. I had dared to take her hand without her consent, however, she did not object but corresponded my daring by interlacing her fingers with mine. It felt great.

— We'll go to Habib's store — I informed her

— Habib is an old good friend of mine who I knew since high school.

We went into the store and went to the counter where my friend Habib was, along with two girls, who apparently worked for him.

— Habib! As—Salaam—Alaikum

— Wa—Alaikum—Salaam — he replied

— What do I owe such a precious visit to?

— I'd like to buy some clothes for my ... — I kept thinking of what to say and everyone stared at me, waiting for my sentence to end, making me uncomfortable. I didn't want to say "friend", I knew deep inside me, she likes me and I thought maybe we could be more than friends—

— I'm Susan. Nice meeting you, — she responded, rescuing me from my feigned paraplegia

— And I think I really don't need more clothes than all Matilda gave me; they're good enough for me — added Susan, this time addressing me

— Consider it a gift from me, please. What do you think? — I insisted kindly

Habib and I looked at each other and looked back at Susan, while we waited anxiously for her response. After a long pause, she finally said in a tone of defeat and wrinkling his lips.

— Very well, — she nodded as she closed her eyes, giving up the battle.

— Excellent decision! — Habib added happily. he pointed the way to women's clothing

— Come here and watch, my dear Susan, all the models of jeans that we have in the store and beautiful blouses. You can try all you want.

Habib signaled one of the girls to come over to us

— Help the lady to try on jeans

Susan looked at me regretfully, while the young lady took her arm and took her to the ladies section.

— Don't worry, we have an excellent variety of women's clothing — said the lady vendor.

— There is also a cosmetics section.

— Cosme ... what? — intrigued Susan asked as she let herself be dragged by the girl.

While they were choosing her new clothes, I informed Habib to use my credit card to pay for Susan's clothes.

Habib was glad that I had decided to leave the capital city and return to EverGreen County.

— I can see in your eyes the fatigue accumulated by the stress of the city, my friend — Even though he had lived all his life in this place, his Arabic accent was never lost.

— I am sure that the pure air of the forest and the mountain will restore you quickly.

I told him that I had been hired by FORESTAL SAWN LUMBER Inc. and that I enjoyed nature's contact.

I lost the concept of time while I was talking to Habib. Susan came by surprise from behind and I was speechless when I saw her.

— What do you think? — She told me turning around so I could appreciate her from all angles.

She wore a shirt of light and dark green squares, which they combined with her eyes color; black jeans that highlighted her waist. She was wearing makeup, she had lipstick on her lips. Making her look more attractive. Again the words didn't come from my throat.

— Won't you say anything? — She asked again.

— It seems you've left him speechless — interrupted Habib, laughing softly

— You look beautiful — I finally said.

Susan smiled cheerfully.

We both appreciated the warmth of the staff in charge and good treatment for us.

After paying the purchase invoice, we said goodbye to Habib.

— Come back soon! — he told us before we left.

As we left, I remembered that we should go through the sheriff office. At that time a vehicle stopped in front of us. A known voice screamed at us

— Sam! Susan!

It was Matilda, who was taking a ride with one of her relatives to return home.

— How is everything? — She asked

I started explaining what happened at the hospital.

— Sam gave me these clothes! — Susan interrupted happily

— It looks good on you, dear. Doesn't it, Sam? — Matilda alluded.

I nodded. Susan took the bag she was carrying and handed it to Matilda

— This is the clothes you lent me. I'm very grateful

— Don't mention it, dear. Keep them. They're for you.

Again Susan thanked her and took the bag again.

— We still have to go through the sheriff office — I added

— I almost forgot him. He is Jake, — Matilda explained, beckoning to the guy who was driving the car — my brother Jacob's son.

— Hello there — replied Jake while chewing his tobacco.

— I'm sure he won't refuse to take both of you to the sheriff office — added Matilda

— Of course not, come on.

We thanked Jake for his generosity and we climbed into the truck.

Thanks to Jake's vehicle, in a few minutes we were in front of the sheriff office. Matilda joined us, so she asked Jake to wait for her. Jake agreed cordially.

I guess it was not just cordiality, most wanted to know more about the novelty of the town. And I was sure that Matilda had already spread the news throughout the whole county.

Sheriff Garret was not at the police station; however, the deputy officer in charge took Susan's statement, plus an imprint of her fingerprints to investigate more about her.

Also, she took my information to be in contact with us in case of finding any relevant information about Susan.

We said goodbye to the officer and then Matilda asked her nephew to take us back home.

The return trip was incredibly fast, especially since Susan and I fell asleep in the back seat.

— Here we are! — Matilda warned. Susan and I, both stretch and get out of the vehicle.

Once inside the house, Matilda prepared some coffee for her nephew and tea for the rest of us, including herself.

Meanwhile, I invited Jake to sit with us in front of the fireplace.

— Wow! Is that a Remington 700 Sendero? — Jake expressed surprised, seeing my rifle on the chimney — Are you going to hunt rhinos?

— I barely use it, my favorite is Marlin 336C — I answered

— It's more accurate and practical — replied Jake, demonstrating his knowledge about weapons.

Susan wrinkled her face in disapproval.

— Something's wrong, honey? — Matilda asked Susan when approaching with a tray full of cups of tea and coffee.

Susan sat up quickly to help her with the tray.

— Nothing's wrong. Just boys and their phallic complexes

— Come again? — Matilda asked

— Boy toys — corrected Susan

Matilda took a few seconds to understand what Susan was talking about.

— Oh, honey. That's normal around here. All men carry at least one.

Jake and I agreed

They put the tray over the coffee table.

— Here's you are, Jake. Espresso coffee for you to keep you off falling asleep on the road.

— Thank you Aunt

— It's embarrassing but sometimes it happens to me — Jake explained — See this scar?

He lifted his hair and showed us a large scar on his forehead.

— That must have hurt — Susan interposed

— Actually, I do not know. I woke up the next day at the hospital.

— Ten stitches! — Jake exclaimed

Susan took two cups of tea and gave me one.

— I'm sure Matilda won't let you fall asleep at the wheel again.

Jake nodded as he sipped his coffee.

I told Matilda that I would leave in the morning to return the company's motor vehicle and I'd be back with my jeep. So I asked her to come back early to keep Susan company while I was away.

We kept chatting until went dark.

After dark, Matilda prepared the guest room for Susan. And then she said goodbye bearing out to come back tomorrow morning as we had agreed.

Before she left with her nephew, Susan hugged Matilda and thanked all her help again, hug that corresponded with much affection.

Susan was a very interesting girl. We stayed late talking. She was interested in the maps of the forest area and the hunting schedules I had in my studio. I realized that she definitely didn't like my collection of prey that adorned my house. Not even the bearskin that stretched over the trophy room.

— This area that you see here is the sawmill — pointing with my finger on the map that was hanging in front of my desk.

— Despite your refusal against the hunters. This company hires people to defend the workers from bears, wolves or pumas that surround the area.

— My job is to ensure the safety of these workers. And kill the beasts that endanger the personnel of the company.

Susan roll over her eyes.

— Were you always a hunter? — She asked

— I used to work in the capital city as a lawyer. But that is a life that I try to forget.

— Speaking of sharks! Or should I say, predators? — commented Susan

— Why did you leave your job? — she inquired

— Well, it's already past 2 in the morning, I'd better go to sleep if I want to leave early tomorrow — I changed the conversation abruptly. I didn't want to remember my days as a lawyer.

— Maybe another time, you'll share your reasons

Susan finished her tea and left her cup over the table. I put mine too and got up at the same time as her. She stared at me and got close to me. Without giving me time to react, she hugged me. A couple of seconds later, I hugged her too. She stepped away from me and we stayed looking at each other for a while. And again I was immersed in the green of her eyes. Her hands caressed my beard, moistened her lips. My heart began to beat strongly. She placed her warm soft lips on mine.

I closed my eyes and let myself go at the moment.

She let herself go and whispered "See you tomorrow"

I was speechless as she went to the guest room.

I went to my bed confused with an indelible smile over my face.

The next morning I was awakened by the sound of the door when Matilda arrived.

— Good morning, Sam! — She shouted from the kitchen.

I opened my eyes to answer her when suddenly I realized that she was lying next to me doing a ball.

— Goo — Good day. Did you sleep well? — I asked Susan

— You didn't find your room comfortable?

— I thought it was a bit cold — answered Susan, without opening her eyes.

She wore the sweater I had given her the day I met her.

— I'd better get up before Matilda thinks I've abused my hospitality — I suggested

I jumped out of bed and went straight to the bathroom to wash my face.

— Oh my God! There is a girl in my room! — The words of my mind escaped from myself

— Did you say something Sam? — Susan asked

— I didn't! — I lied — Look at the time! I should be on my way to the sawmill — I changed the subject

When I came out of the bathroom, Susan had left the room and I took a peek from my door and she was chatting pleasantly with Matilda in the kitchen.

After getting ready I left my room and I said good morning to both of them. I took the cup of coffee Matilda offered me.

— I've better be going now if I want to go back early — I warned

I sipped some coffee while I looked out the window. My eyes could not believe what they saw. I also didn't know what upcoming events were going to unleash.

For a moment I thought it was a figment of my imagination. After rubbing my eyes, I had to make sure I didn't imagine anything; but there really were some wolves near the hut.

— We have company — I warned

I put my cup on the table and ran in search of my rifle to hunt them.

Matilda, worried, leaned out the window and covered her mouth with her hands, scared.

— Oh my God! — she whispered

I reloaded my rifle, the usual "crack, crack" sound echoed in the kitchen.

I opened the door of the house and immediately pointed to one of the two gray wolves that were about 40 meters from the house, lurking behind a tree. Without realizing it, Susan had arrived on my right side, took the barrel of my rifle with her left hand and pushed it down.

— Don't do it, please — he warned.

— It's the first time I see them so close to the cabin — I replied

I tried again to raise the barrel towards them, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't. It was amazing how hard she held the rifle. "Where the hell had this little woman gotten so much strength?," I asked myself. I was beginning to despair and for a moment I thought of screaming at her to release the rifle, but her penetrating gaze stopped me. Again, I suddenly felt a sense of tranquility.

Matilda was mute.

— I'm not going to kill them, just scare them — I alluded

— Forget it, they're gone — she said without taking her eyes off mine

I released the rifle slowly and she took it with both hands, without letting go of the barrel and left the rifle by the side of the door. I glanced out and strangely, the wolves had left.

Susan let out a big sigh and approached Matilda, placing her hand on her shoulder.

— Take it easy. It's all over. They won't bother again.

— Come and sit in front of the fireplace

I was amazed as Matilda suddenly changed her face and smiled quietly.

They both sat in front of the fireplace. Without realizing it, I found myself doing the same.

— Let's see the positive side, this experience has made me remember who am I, — she began to explain

— I am an ecologist; I study nature, wildlife, complex and delicate relationships between animals, plants, people and their environment. I am an environmental protection and conservation agent.

— When I saw that you took your rifle and you were going to kill those beautiful creatures, something in me just snapped.

She smiled at us. She took Matilda's hand as he continued explaining.

— Do not worry Matilda, everything that happens is normal. And I still the same person you knew two days ago

— Since the beginning of time, animals have inhabited freely throughout the entire length of the planet. However, the presence of man has changed their habits and forced them to flee to other areas. As for these wolves, these lands used to be part of their territory, but the human being has forced them to emigrate, going into areas belonging to other animals, altering the balance of nature. Introducing a new species into an ecosystem always creates chaos.

She took a breath and continued.

— From time to time, animals return to their former territories, to reclaim their space, that is why we usually have situations like the one we have just seen. But this is not only because of the right they have to retake their former territories but also to maintain their role within the balance of the environment.

Matilda and I were perplexed to discover this new facet of Susan.

She continued explaining

— Each one of us represents a very important piece of a great puzzle, including every living being on this planet. We all play a fundamental role in this great puzzle called Earth. Every action we do has a reaction. Like when you throw a stone in a pond, it creates waves that hit the shore, and the shore creates new waves in return.

— Other people know this as cause and effect. As is well known, the flapping of a butterfly could cause an earthquake thousands of miles away. However, the effect of the human being is even greater than the fluttering of a butterfly.

— It is important to learn to live in peace with nature — she said concerned

— Where I'm going with everything I'm explaining, you'll ask.

We both kept saying nothing.

— Well, for no one is a mystery that the presence of the human being has made many species disappear in the world, even in this same forest. Nowadays, many of them are in extinction. Which causes serious damage to the environment. The pieces of the puzzle begin to disappear and this brings as consequences the strange climatic effects that the planet suffers. Don't let me start with the effect of environmental pollution that grows every day or the introduction of transgenic species.

She shook her head

— I'm sure I'm overwhelming you with everything I tell you. But it is imperative for me to protect the species of this forest.

She turned her gaze to the windows and shook her head again.

— Nothing like a good breakfast to continue with your goals — interrupted Matilda

Susan took a deep breath and changed her face and returned her smile.

— You read my mind — Susan added — I'm starving.

And so it was again the innocent girl who appeared two days ago in our lives.

— I'm also starving — I added

This time, Susan helped Matilda prepare breakfast. Again she was amazed by Matilda's secret recipe as preparing the best pancakes. And there was this girl, who a few moments ago was lecturing us about the future of the planet, playing with flour and other ingredients.

Meanwhile, I got up and went to check the status of the company's vehicle, then picked up and ordered the equipment that I had brought from the company. I put them all in my backpack, and put them inside the vehicle compartment, including my rifle. I still wondered: "where she had drawn so much strength?". However, I remembered what happened the moment I tried to lift her that time I first met her. She weighed more than she appeared.

— Sam! You better hurry because if not Susan will eat all the pancakes — Matilda shouted from the kitchen.

I sat down quickly at the table

— Would you do me the favor again? — Susan asked, showing me the plate with her pancakes

— Sure — I answered

Finally, we finished eating. I took my jacket and said goodbye to both.

— I'll be back soon — it was the last thing I told them before I left.

Along the way, I kept thinking about what Susan had explained. I knew that she was right, but many of us expect someone else to take care of the environmental problems. We are always busy in our day—to—day tasks and I am sure that most of the people only try to survive to the conditions that surround them. I wanted to be able to support her in her goal, but doing that meant losing my job at the sawmill. Practically, we, the hunters, were in charge of terminating the species of the forest without taking into account whether or not they were in danger of extinction.

I arrived at the sawmill and handed over the vehicle. I greeted the guards and headed towards the offices. It took me a long time to fill out the paperwork about the misuse of the company's vehicles, in unofficial matters. Fortunately, my experience as a lawyer overwhelmed the guys in the transportation department and obviously in the human resources department.

I was glad to know that our supervisor, Mr. Will, was still in his office.

I told him everything that happened to me. I indicated the place where I had found Susan. I kept to myself all about Susan's profession. For the time being, I didn't want to alert the supervisors, or lawyers of the company, even less have the board of directors inquire about Susan's thoughts.

He told me to keep him informed about the condition of the girl. Mr. Will assumed that it must have been some seasoned tourist who had gotten lost in the woods.

When I was leaving the company, I rode in my jeep and returned to my cabin.

I had lost the notion of time again. The sun was beginning to fall and soon the night would begin. When I got home, I noticed that Jake's truck was in front of the cabin again. I thanked the heavens since I didn't want to drive anymore. I wanted to rest deeply in my bed. They had been a busy days.

However, behind all those excuses, my main desire was to spend more time with her.

— You're in time for dinner, Sam — informed Matilda

Everyone was sitting in front of the table and they were not yet eating.

I greeted everyone as I entered the cabin. Susan smiled at me and got up from her chair.

— You've better thank Susan, she was the one who assured us that you would arrive on time — Matilda added

— Thank you very much, Susan

— It's the least I could do for you. I'll bring a dish, — said Susan.

We ate until we were full. Matilda's stew was delicious, so much so that Susan had filled her plate twice.

I offered to wash the dishes and the pots so that Matilda returned home early.

Jake and Matilda said goodbye and Susan hugged Matilda again, thanking her again for all her help.

Between the two of us, we clean up all the junk quickly.

Late at night, we sat on the sofa to have a cup of tea in front of the fireplace.

— Are you very thoughtful, did something happen in my absence? — I asked

— Sam, I want to thank you for all the help you have given me all these days.

— You're welcome. I am happy to have helped you and it has been a great pleasure to share these days with you — I answered.

— I'm glad I met you and Matilda. Both of you really are good people and you know many other good people — added Susan

For some reason, I was feeling that more than a gratefulness, it was a farewell what Susan was doing.

— I was thinking when I came back. I want to support you in your personal mission. I know it isn't simple and I'm sure that you must have a good plan to achieve it — I commented

— I know you mean it and I appreciate it. — She hesitated for a moment and then continued

— Can I tell you a secret? You are part of the plan for a long time.

I didn't understand what she was referring to.

— But at this moment I see that you are exhausted. You'd better rest — she suggested

She got up from her chair and came back to me, took my face with her hands and kissed me again.

— Tomorrow will be a brand new day, don't forget — she whispered

She left without saying anything else and went to the guest room.

Again I did not know how to feel: surprised? excited? confused? The sleepiness took over me and I fell into my bed like a log.

I dreamed again with that meadow, but this time I was the one that ran at a great speed, I felt like the branches hit my face and I heard gasps around me. I awoke disoriented with the sound of the alarm clock. I didn't remember having activated it.

It was still early and I was sad to see that she wasn't in my bed. I got up and went to the guest room. To my surprise, it was empty. The bed was made and it was cold.

I left the house worried and checked the surroundings. But I didn't find any clue to indicate Susan's whereabouts.

I shouted her name several times everywhere, but it was in vain. I went back to the house and put on more warm clothes.

Apparently, she had left.

Even when I was used to living alone, the hut felt emptier than usual without her presence.

---

So, this is the end of chapter three. I know it’s long but I had enough time to write it. It kept me sane all these days since we spent almost 5 days without electric power or communication systems.

Keep spreading the Steemit love

Thanks for passing by!