Drifter Challenge – House 2, Ch. 1

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Willow Creek turned out to be in a little better shape than Oasis Springs, by a long shot, but then again, it used to be a very affluential area. But only a little better off, in the long run.

There are still houses, you can see them here in the background, but most of them – okay, all of them, are empty.

And then there’s me. Britta Caine, daughter Austin, and heir to this crazy mission to save the world one generation at a time. Our family calling, you might say.

My Vision, like my father’s before me, showed a life of hard work and also family. It’s a daunting task, but I’m looking forward to it.

There’s no house, of course. It’s an empty lot. Dad said he started on one, too, and suggested I get a tent a few other things as soon as I could.

With what money, I wondered, but looking around, I can see things to collect and sell, and apply for a job in the same landscaping and gardening business that my father started out in. They were happy to have me, even though it had to be entry level pay.

I told them I didn’t mind in the least. It got me in the door and I wasn’t looking for favoritism.

Just look at it? I mean – as a novice Potions maker, I can’t wait to see what kind of samples Willow Creek has to offer!

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So this… this is Easton Gray. He is a mail carrier for the local post office. There aren’t a lot of people still in Willow Creek, and more are leaving every month, it seems, but Easton delivers the mail to the ones still here. We struck up a conversation and I asked him so many questions that I was afraid I would scare him off!

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Fishing and gardening for samples, just like Dad used to do. Or is still doing in Oasis Springs. He says it’s a never-ending job he’ll be doing til the day he dies. I don’t even want to think about that, but he is an elder. At least they got rid of the Cow Plant finally, so I don’t have to worry about Mom!

Easton stops by sometimes after his work is done. He really is turning into a good friend.

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We spend so much time together that I can just tell when he’s having a hard day. Seeing people leave the area weighs heavily on him, too, it seems.

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Easton is quickly becoming one of my closest and dearest friends. After work, we hang out and unwind by talking about the dreams we have for the future. And he always gives the best hugs. 🙂

I feel as if something is drawing me towards Easton. As a member of the Magic Realm, even in ‘exile’ on this mission of ours, I know better than to dismiss these feelings. But for now, when I am still living in little better than a tent, I must keep myself from moving too fast and ruining it.

Good things come to those who wait, I have heard. I pray that it is true of me and Easton.