Page 8 of Big Daddy Mountain Man

From the looks of it, she could pretty much see all of it from where she stood.

Behind her was a historic building with the words GENERAL STORE on one of the windows. She could also see a building with a sign that told her it was a doctor’s office, a diner, and a house. Across the street was a fire station, sheriff’s office, anda mechanic’s garage. There was also a fenced-in area down the road, but she couldn’t make out what it really was.

In the distance, she thought she could see a couple of houses, but none of them looked like the cabin where she would be staying. Suddenly, she felt very alone.

She didn’t know anyone down here. True, she didn’t have any family or any friends back in Oklahoma City, but it was at least familiar. She knew her way around the streets there. Here, in this mountainous, tree-covered terrain, she had no clue where she was going. And if it was a far walk… well… there was some light now. But the sun was receding. In another forty-five minutes, it would be completely hidden. She couldn’t imagine walking those forest-lined roads all by herself at night.

She’d do what she needed to do, though.

She’d come too far on her adventure now to back out. Besides, she didn’t really have any other options.

“It’s okay, Honey. We’ll make it,” she told her stuffie, even though she was torn in two and in the suitcase. “One way or another.”

She didn’t have a phone to store information on, so she fished out the piece of paper from her jeans that she’d written the information on and walked to the covered porch of the store. She tried the door, only to find it locked, and then noticed the sign on it stated they closed at six.

She walked back to the bench and sat on it while she considered her options.

A car passed, but the person continued east until they disappeared. She looked both directions but didn’t see anyone to talk to. She imagined the town was busier in the summer. That area was big for tourists, and while not all of them probably visited a community as unique as Big Cedar, there were still probably more folks around.

It was only mid-spring, so things weren’t hopping yet.

But a moment later, she heard voices. She listened, trying to mentally follow them. They seemed to be coming from the direction of the fenced-in area. She got up and hurried toward them, rolling her suitcase behind her.

“Hello?” she called.

“Hello?” a woman on the other side of the tall, wooden fence answered back.

Amber smiled, wondering if she was about to make her first new friend in Big Cedar. But she found the gate locked, with a keypad on it demanding a code for entry.

A moment later, it clicked and swung open.

“Hello,” a woman said with a wave. Her hair was in pigtails and she wore a short, pink babydoll dress with plenty of ruffles and lace adorning it.

“Hi.” Amber’s heart beat faster. She was actually meeting another Little in person! It was a thrilling experience. Years of feeling alone in her Little nature had threatened to dampen her spirits. Yet she always tried to remain positive. Now, here in Big Cedar with another Little, she couldn’t help but feel as if that positivity had paid off.

She still had a long way to go, though, she realized. But this was a great first step.

“My name is Amber,” she told the Little. “I just got in town.”

“Hey, welcome to Big Cedar. I’m Alyssa. And these are my friends.” The Little stepped aside and waved Amber in.

Stepping through the gate, Amber found a park complete with benches, a swing set, a giant teeter-totter, and climbing structure that had a swirling side attached.

And everything was oversized, for adults!

It was a Little’s dream come true.

Alyssa introduced the other two ladies. “This is Grace and Mindy.” She pointed to each one as she said their names.

They waved and Amber returned the gesture, smiling from ear to ear as the euphoria of being around others like her settled in.

At least she assumed the women were all Littles. They were certainly dressed like it, with Grace sporting a babydoll dress, too, and Mindy wearing a short pink romper.

“Hi!” Amber said, unable to keep the excitement from her voice. “What are y’all doing?”

She immediately felt foolish for asking the question. It was obvious the trio had been playing on the playground before she interrupted.

“Just hanging out,” Alyssa replied. “Are you here to visit Big Cedar or just passing through?”

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