Page 11 of Homani True

Matt leans in, and the rest of the group quiets as Doc lays out his emergency medical plan.

Taryn and Kaitlyn’s silent gestures at each other catch Matt’s attention. He raises an eyebrow.

They look at each other and then back at Matt. “We were just making sure we’re on the same page,” Taryn says, clipping back her hair.

Kaitlyn nods, her ponytail bobbing. “Yeah, we’re good.”

“Okaay,” he draws out. Matt picks up the last remaining bag and turns to the group. “Let’s load up.”

During the long drive to the cabin, the weight of the responsibility presses on Matt’s shoulders. The occupants are silent on this long journey. With his hand resting on the steering wheel, his mind wanders as the miles pass. He never asked to be the leader of Smith’s Farm, the one responsible for their needs, the go-to guy, the problem solver. He shakes his head. No one could have truly foreseen the predicament they were in now, but regardless, it was now his burden to bear.

Once they arrive at the cabin, JD announces that he’s going to do a quick perimeter check and set a few traps ‘just in case’, which eases Matt’s mind. The rest of the team begins unloading the supplies from the vehicle and brings them, one by one, into the cabin.

“Where did you pack the collapsable table?” Doc asks Matt as he searches through his medical bags.

“It’s in the black duffle to your right,” he responds. Matt motions to Jax to help the elderly physician before heading into the cottage to prepare for the mission ahead.

The rustic cabin, with its log wood exterior and metal roof, is just a one-room open concept. The small interior boasts a wood stove, a porcelain washing basin, a hand crafted table with two chairs, and a double bed. It’s cramped, and more than a little dusty, but it’s out of sight of the main roads set back deep in the woods surrounded by overgrown brush. It will serve nicely as their rendezvous point.

Matt sits on a rickety wooden chair on the landing by the open cabin door. He watches as Finn grabs a sealed jug from below the counter and walks outside, stopping at the hand-pumped well to fill it with water. He returns inside, lights the wood stove and puts the water on to boil. When the liquid is steaming, Finn pulls mugs from the shelf and looks around. “Coffee?” he offers.

“Yeah, thanks.” Matt takes a full mug from him. It’s still a few hours before nightfall, and though he doubts he needs any caffeine, he’ll gladly take anything to occupy his hands and give him a funnel for his nervous energy. Right now there's nothing left to do but wait.

Gage pulls up a chair and sits across from Matt, a curious expression on his face. “Hey,” he starts, leaning in slightly. “How did you end up becoming the leader of Smith’s Farm? Like, how did that all happen?”

Matt leans back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips as he reflects on the journey that led him to this point. “Well,” he begins, his voice tinged with nostalgia, “it all goes back to Harold and Pete. They were the ones who founded our community. You haven’t met them yet, have you?"

Gage sips his coffee and chuckles. “No, but I’ve caught a few stories from others.”

“I bet.” He gives a wry smile before continuing, “When the world fell apart, they were the pillars that held us together, the ones who provided us with a safe haven when everything went to hell.”

Gage leans forward, clearly absorbed in the story.

“As I grew older, they must have seen something in me,” Matt says, a touch of humility in his tone. “They recognized a natural ability to lead, something I never really saw in myself.”

“Must have been quite an eye-opener,” Gage comments, tilting his head to the side.

Matt lets out a low whistle, his expression turning more serious. “Oh, absolutely. When Harold and Pete decided it was time for them to step down from their roles, they put it to a vote within the community. They threw my name in the hat, and honestly, I was blindsided by their endorsement.”

Gage raises an eyebrow. “Blindsided? Why?”

“Well, you see, I never really thought of myself as a leader. I mean, I knew I cared about the community deeply, and I always did my part, but the idea of actually leading everyone was a whole different level.” Matt chuckles softly.

“And how did you feel about it?” Gage probes.

“I was honoured, of course,” Matt replies. “Harold and Pete had this unwavering faith in me, and that meant the world. But, at the same time, I was nervous. I mean, it all depended on the vote, and I had no idea how everyone else saw me.”

Gage leans forward and sets his coffee on the worn wooden step. “And what happened with the vote?”

“It was a landslide in my favour. I was floored. I hadn’t expected such an obvious show of support from the community.”

“That’s incredible,” Gage remarks, a smile forming.

“Yeah, it really was,” Matt agrees. “And you know what? I didn’t want to let Harold, Pete, or anyone else down. So, I accepted the role.”

Gage picks up his mug and raises it in Matt’s direction. “It sounds like you’ve come a long way from that moment.”

“I have. It’s been a challenging journey, but every step has been worth it. I owe it to Harold, Pete, and the entire community to give my best every day.”

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