“The what?”
Dancer pointed.
“That big old stump that looks like a man. The one with the moss. You really couldn’t pick that up from context clues, fella?”
“I’m new here. I’m not at my best tonight.”
“Well, such things may be forgiven in the fullness of time.”
Green turned and entered a road so narrow that twigs squealed against his mirrors.
“Just a little love tap from your new neighborhood,” Dancer said.
The interlaced branches overhead and the darkness beyond made the way feel very much like a tunnel.
“Is there a place to turn around somewhere in here?” Green asked.
“Sure, with the correct application of motoring skills. You thinking of leaving already? Having second thoughts about your privacy request?”
He was, but he wasn’t about to admit it.
“No, I’m just wondering how I’ll get my car out again.”
He was also wondering how many victims of serial murderersthought their killers were charming moments before they realized their mistake.
“Don’t worry. Your site has a parking spot right off the road here. Easy as a mosquito’s lunch.”
Green nodded, not terribly satisfied with the answer.
Maybe she’ll say something folksy while she orders me to dig my own grave at gunpoint.
“Now, this is your road. You and Valentina are the only ones up this way. ’Course she mostly keeps to herself and her studies or whatnot, so I wouldn’t worry about your privacy and all that. We call this Moss Man’s Row and I have the utmost faith that you can figure out the etymology of that particular moniker.”
“I think so, yes.”
“Now, you’ll have plenty of space, a fire ring, a tent pad, and if the mood takes you, there is room for a more permanent domicile. Of course, if you plan on any construction of a serious nature, I would ask that you keep me informed. Can’t have people building things willy-nilly around here. That’s how towns happen and between you, me, and the katydids, I do not have mayoral ambitions.”
“Understood.”
“Green, I like you. I hope you will not think it too forward of me to consider you an acquaintance.”
“Uh, no, that seems like the right word.”
“Well, that’s alright then. Ope, here we are.”
Dancer poked a finger at her window and Green pulled onto a small gravel patch just off the right side of the road. If there were other campsites, he hadn’t seen them.
“That path there leads to your place.”
She pointed to a gap in the wall of brush a foot from his bumper.
“It opens up. Just fifty feet or so into the trees. Valentina is up another half mile on the left, just before the road ends. Couldn’t miss it if you tried. ’Course, I’m not suggesting you bother her this evening, just good policy out here to know where your closest neighbor is, getwhat I mean? I’m told cell service around here is a coin flip most days. Not that I would care to know.”
“Okay, thanks.”
Green eyed the dark path leading from the parking spot into the inky tangle ahead. Continuing this adventure meant clicking off the headlights and exiting the car. Taking a flashlight into…that. Dancer’s cheerful confidence was infectious, but she was a stranger and her comfort was fleeting.
“Alrighty, I’ll see myself back to the office. If you need anything, Valentina should be your first stop. We look out for neighbors out here. That’s how it’s gotta be. Stickin’ together whether we like it or not is pretty much our only advantage over the other more capable animals of this world, huh?”
