The saying: all roads lead to Rome is very apt for us.

It's just that not all our roads lead to Rome, but to Everwood. 

My mother said that was for all the imput of food and materials, but I think they just want them to be able to get here quickly to arrest someone.

Above me, the sun is burning dangerously hard on my face. Sweat runs down my neck and causes my hair to stick to my skin.

Wearily, I slip my bag off my shoulder and grab a bottle of water. As I take small sips I look around.

Across the long plains land you can see the heat waves and birds circling on the horizon.

With a sigh, I put the water back away and rubbed my face.

"Another 16 hours to go." My hands tremble with fear of my final destination.

I ball them into fists and continue counting my steps.

"Fourteen thousand six hundred and fifty-three." Sighing deeply, I continue my steps.

When I come across a small farmhouse I pause again.

This doesn't look wrong.

I walk up to the door and bang against it with my fist.

"Hello?" I press my ear against the wood and listen.

Nothing.

I bang harder. "Hello, is anyone there? I'm looking for shelter!"

Hm, still nothing. I go around the building and look for another entrance.

At the back of the building I find another door ajar. Creaking, it opens and the dark building is enveloped in a mysterious glow.

"Hello?" I cautiously step inside and gasp when I see a shadow around the corner. Quickly I press myself against the wall and squeeze my eyes together. Creaks come my way and I anxiously hold my breath.

Please, please, please.

"Woof!"

I make a jump and open my eyes.

There, in front of me sits a small dog no older than 2 months. I lower myself through my knees and let him sniff my hand. Now that the shock was over there is room for the questions.

What is this little animal doing here so alone? Where are the rest?

"Hey little guy. Are you here all alone?" The puppy presses his wet muzzle against my hand and looks at me the way only dogs could look.

My insides make a jump and I scratch the animal behind its ear. I walk on again as I looked around looking for something useful.

In a room that looked like the kitchen, there were large stains on the floor just beside the table. I walk around it in a wide arc, making sure not to look at it. I don't wonder what it was; after all, you don't want to know such things.

On the kitchen counter is a knife and I pick it up. The dog croaks and I smile at him.

"For people like my mother." I wink at him and spin the object round and round on my palm.

Hm if I come up with this then I can shake it. With a sigh I put it back and walk on. My fingertips glide over the wood and my thoughts wander. 

A sudden tug on my leg keeps me standing. The dog wags its tail and jumps up and down.

"I'm sorry. Do you want to go outside?" The dog runs after me and passes me as I open the door.

The last bit of sun is just disappearing behind the horizon.

I wrap my arms around my body to preserve my warmth as much as possible. After ten minutes, I call him back and together we look for a place to sleep.

I nestle on a bumpy mattress I had found in one of the old rooms and curl up.

Tomorrow would be a long day and the prospect already makes me sigh.