Page 7 of Exile

“Look, kid, I don’t know what you’re expecting to find here, but Caz isn’t exactly a warm and fuzzy type. He’s…intense. And he’s got his reasons.”

“I’m not expecting a hug and a family photo,” I said quickly. “I just want to see him. Talk to him. Maybe understand him a little better. I’ve only ever known what I’ve seen on TV of him.”

Theresa stared at me for another long moment, then shrugged. “Well, good luck with that.”

“Thanks,” I said, trying to sound sincere. “For not kicking me out.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” she muttered. “This might not end the way you think it will.”

She turned and left, leaving me alone in the tiny house. I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding and glanced around the space. It was small but cozy, with just enough room for a bed, a kitchenette, and a little seating area by the window.

I sat down on the edge of the bed, my mind racing. Caspian was here, somewhere in this village. The man who’d been a little more than a shadowy figure in my family’s history was suddenly within reach. But what would I say to him?

What if he didn’t want to see me?

What if he slammed the door in my face and told me to fuck off because he didn’t need family members to appear in his life out of the blue?

I rubbed my temples and sighed.

One thing was certain: I wasn’t leaving Hilton Beach without at least trying. Whether he liked it or not, I was here and wasn’t giving up that easily.

Chapter 2

DARWYNN

The general store was exactly what I’d expected from a tiny village like Hilton Beach. Wooden shelves were stocked with the essentials.

Canned goods, fresh produce, a small selection of meats, and a few household items. There was even a corner dedicated to handmade jewelry and locally made jelly and honey. It smelled faintly of cedar and coffee. It was a comforting mix that made me linger a little longer than I needed to.

I grabbed a few things to make a simple dinner.

Pasta, a jar of marinara sauce, a small pack of parmesan cheese, and a bundle of fresh basil that looked like it had been plucked from someone’s garden just this morning. I also picked up a pack of chips, a bar of chocolate, and a loaf of bread from a basket near the counter.

The cashier was a thirty-something man with a friendly smile and a name tag that read “Henry.” He rang me up while making small talk, which I happily participated in.

I liked doing small talk. Not sure why.

I liked the awkwardness of it.

“New in town?” he asked, bagging my items.

“Just visiting,” I replied, keeping my answer short.

“Staying long?”

“Couple of weeks, maybe more.”

He nodded, his blue eyes scanning me with the same curiosity Theresa had earlier. “Well, enjoy your stay. It’s quiet around here, but the sunsets are worth it.”

“I’ve heard,” I said, smiling politely as I paid for my things.

“I’m Henry. I live right across the street,” he told me, pointing his finger to the blue house on the other side. “And I own this store.”

“That’s cool.” I gave him a tight smile. “I’m Darwynn.”

“Nice to meet you, Darwynn.” He smiled back and handed me my bag. “Enjoy your night.”

“Thank you. You too.” I took my bag and headed back to the camping ground.

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