Page 8 of Found By the Mountain Man

When my condition got too bad and they gave me an honorable discharge, I was lost. The only family I ever had was in the military. Another guy, Kobe, our unit captain, was discharged around the same time. He grew up on the mountain, alongside some of the other guys in the unit, and convinced me to come here to Wild Heart Mountain.

I’m glad he did. The only time I ever felt like I belonged somewhere was in the military. I like my solitude, but it’s comforting to know my buddies are nearby. Sure, I’ve been lonely at times, but for a juvenile delinquent who probably would have ended up in prison if he hadn’t joined the Marines, it’s not a bad life. I’m thankful every day that I am where I am and not staring at the walls of a prison cell.

I can handle the nightmares and the shakes and the dark thoughts out here alone. At least I thought I could, until Indigo wandered onto my mountain.

As I watch her yawn, stretching her arms above her head, a peace settles over me.

I’ll never get tired of seeing her in my clothes, even though they’re far too big on her. If she stays, I’ll take her shopping just as soon as she’ll let me.

“You up to a walk in the woods today?”

I’ve got some traps that need checking and more to set. And I want to walk the perimeter of my property to make sure no one’s hanging around.

“Yeah.” She slides onto the kitchen bar stool as I place a plate of scrambled eggs and thick bacon down in front of her. “Is this for me?”

“Sure is.”

I like looking after Indigo. I’ll cook breakfast for her every morning for the rest of my life if she’ll let me.

“Thank you, Rhys.”

She eats slowly, which is a good sign. After the state she was in when I found her, it’s reassuring that she no longer has to scarf food as if it’s her last meal.

As we’re finishing eating, there’s the sound of a car pulling up.

Indigo gives a frightened yelp, and her eyes go wide. She clutches me in terror, and even though she’s scared, I’m glad she’s clinging to me for comfort.

“It’s probably just Symon.”

But I grab my shotgun just in case as I go to the window. I pull the curtain back and sure enough. Symon’s walking up to the front door.

“Symon’s the park ranger. He’s the only person who knows you’re here.”

“You told someone I was here?” There’s panic in her voice.

“When I found you, I thought you might have been a lost hiker. You can trust Symon.”

She’s standing with one hand on the kitchen counter, bouncing on the balls of her feet and ready to run.

“Hey Symon.”

We fist bump as I let him in, and I rest the gun beside the door.

His eyes go to Indigo, and a surge of jealousy hits my blood. Which is ridiculous. He’s married and so in love with Leonie it’s hard to watch them together.

“Hey,” he says to Indigo. He’s carrying a bag, and he slides it off his shoulder. “Leonie thought you might need these.”

He slides the bag to Indigo, and she opens it tentatively. The bag’s packed with clothes, and she pulls out a t-shirt and sweater and leggings. There’s also a new pack of underwear and a pack of socks.

Warmth floods my heart at the kindness of my friends. Without question, Symon and his wife have provided for a stranger based only on the fact that I’ve taken her in.

“Thank you,” Indigo and I say at the same time.

She goes to change, and I pour Symon a coffee.

“Any news?”

As ranger for Wild Heart Mountain, Symon will be the first to hear if there’s anyone sketchy hanging around. But he shakes his head.

---