1
NOVA
It’s pitch black.My windshield wipers struggle to fend off the downpour in heavy, rhythmic sweeps.Fog rises from the slick pavement and swallows the beam of my headlights.A thick mass of ferns and towering pines crowd the side of the road.Somewhere beyond that lies a rocky coast—and the ocean.
Despite the stormy welcome, this is exactly where I want to be.And maybe, the rain makes it even more perfect.Like a cleanse.A renewal.Or maybe that’s just wishful thinking.
My parents said I had strong ambitions as a kid.They bragged about my good grades and supported me through every step of dental school.They’ve been my saving grace; I wouldn’t have the courage to do this without them.
But I don’t want meaningless accolades.Which is why I took a chance on moving across the country to use my new doctorate in a place where it matters.That’s the plan, anyway.
The reality is that it’s eleven at night and I’m still an hour from my new residence, jam-packed in the old Toyota with two suitcases, my prized collection of books, and every knick-knack I deemed ‘essential’.In other words, an entire bookshelf worth of mementos I can’t throw away to save my life.
Without taking my eyes off the road, I reach into my last bag of survival snacks and pull out a handful of cheddar and caramel popcorn.All I’ve had today is junk food, and at this point, I would kill for a substantial meal.The only place that might be open is a gas station, but there haven’t been any of those for miles.
Honestly, I should’ve pulled over and waited out the bad weather, but I need this road trip to be over.To stop being on the move and breathe in the salty air, slow down for once in my life.
I knew I wanted the job the second I saw the listing.I still can’t place my finger on why.No one else would be enthusiastic about living in a town so far north it isn’t even a dot on the map.The pay is low, even for a fresh graduate, and I’ll be completely on my own, but it came with temporary housing, and it’s as far away from my old place as I could get.
Maybe I feel this way because I’ve always dreamt of living by the sea.Not the warm, tropical kind—a sea hidden in the trees with chilling waves and craggy cliffs.The kind of sea with mood swings and evolving seasons.
Or maybe it’s because being here might make a difference.Maybe out here, I can forget about gossiping coworkers and my cheating ex.Simply be myself without the drama.Maybe even start a family.
Alas, here I am, as true to myself as ever with the trademark combo of chaos and unchecked optimism.Not exactly how I pictured my first trip away from home.
I squint to catch the reflective lines on the road as the highway narrows into two lanes.Traffic is all but nonexistent.The only thing helping me focus is a deep, soothing voice narrating a scene spicy enough to keep me awake.The best part of this trip by far.
In the middle of aliteralclimax, a musical chime interrupts, and my Bluetooth switches to an incoming call.The contact name,Dr.Campbell (New Boss),scrolls across the screen.This has to be the worst timing ever.
I straighten and shake my head out of smut mode, but end up choking on some kernels of popcorn instead.My foot eases up on the gas just to be safe.
“Hi, hello, Dr.Campbell,” I answer while clearing my throat.“I’m on my way, got a late start, and then I ran into the storm…”
“No worries, as long as you’re safe.And call me Olivia,” Dr.Campbell—Olivia—says on the other line.We’ve only spoken once before, to go over dates, logistics, and the like.Her voice carries the same warm, relaxed tone that I remember.“I know you mentioned you were driving and might be arriving late.Plus, the weather is awful.I just wanted to check in since I hadn’t heard anything from you.”
“Yeah, it’s…been a long day.”I attempt a sarcastic chuckle, but it just sounds like I’m exhausted, which is the truth.“Everything is going all right, but I’ll probably get there after midnight.I hope that won’t be an issue?”
“Not at all.As we discussed, the first floor functions independently as your own apartment, and I’m not even sure your housemate is there right now… The key is in the mailbox, so it should be easy to find your way in.Give me a holler if you need anything.I live down the street and I’m a night owl, anyway.”
She’s trying to come off as nonchalant, but I can hear the concern in her voice.My heart does a little squeeze.I hope that doesn’t change once we get to know each other.“All right, thanks,” I reply.“I’m looking forward to meeting you in person.”
“Same here,” she replied.“I’m sure you’ll want to rest and get settled in over the weekend, but if you feel up for it, I’d love to give you a tour of the town.”
“Maybe we can do lunch tomorrow?”I offer.Better to get it over with rather than stressing over imaginary scenarios.
“Sure thing, I’ll pencil it in.Okay, better let you go.Drive safe.”
“I will.”
We both say goodbye, and the line goes quiet.The Bluetooth switches back to my audiobook, but I can’t focus anymore.
My stomach grumbles around a swirl of—excitement?Anxiety?
There’s no guarantee this place will be any different from my last.Olivia sounds friendly, but we haven’t even worked together yet.The other reason I accepted the job is because it’s on a trial basis.I can leave at any time if it’s not a good match.Even so, I really hope it works out.
I speed up again and turn on the air to keep the windows from fogging.This is the home stretch.
Something flashes in my side-view mirror.Glancing toward the forest, I catch a shadowy form moving through the rain on four legs—racingalongside the car—and actually keeping up.It’s too dark to see what it is, but it’s fast.And too damn big to be harmless.
