Mountain Life

CHAPTER 2A -A Message From Beyond

The collection was postponed a week; Serena passed away two nights before they were scheduled to depart. She sat in the living room of her home, on her favorite chair, holding her favorite book. She simply closed her eyes.

Mark went to wake her to bring her to bed and realized she was gone. He went to the medical building and returned with the doctor in just a few minutes. He checked her over and made the pronouncement. Then, he and Mark carried her to the medical building, where she would be prepared for final rest.

Brigit heard the commotion, went to the house, and sat with Ramona. She was young, but she understood. She is a sixteen-year-old woman, and Serena told her what would happen. The two of them held each other and cried. They missed their friend and mother.

Mark returned and held them both as they cried. It was not a good night for any of them.

Brigit felt comfortable, safe, and loved in Mark’s arms. It’s a dangerous combination, to be sure. Perhaps, in a few months, they could explore the possibility of what Serena had already put into motion.

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A few days later, Brigit was sitting on a cart heading toward the town, and Serena told her about the odd life. She was scared, apprehensive, nervous, and excited all at the same time. She brought snacks but was only a little hungry, only taking water during the trip. They stopped for the night at a small cabin that was completely hidden. If someone did not know it existed, they could walk right past it close enough to toss a stone and hit it.

In the cabin were food, water, four beds, and a change of clothing. They all changed clothes. “This is odd?” Brigit remarked.

“At first, I thought so also, but in the town, this will help us to blend in. No one will even notice us.”

They were tired, and after a meal prepared by the two men, the women cleaned up. Joseph set up a series of cans against the door, an alarm. If someone opened the door, the clatter would wake them up. Finally, they all lay on the beds and fell asleep fast. In the morning, they woke as the sun poked through the skylights.

Breakfast was simple and fast. They cleaned the cabin and exited; Brigit saw it for the first time in daylight. It was the exact color of the cliff it sat next to. It blended in perfectly. Even the horses and the cart were well hidden from passers-by.

Before the end of the day, they arrived at their destination. A farm. The sign on the gateway said, “Hill’s Farm.” Brigit smiled; a coincidence?

As they approached the barn to put the horses to rest, a couple joined them from the main house.

Brigit looked at the couple and felt she knew them; their faces were older but familiar.

“Gayle. Jonathon. So nice to see you again.” Marissa said.

“I take it the new face….” Gayle’s voice trailed off.

“Yes, Serena has moved on.” They were silent momentarily, “Let me introduce you to Brigit Markz—our newest council member."

“Hello, Brigit. I am Gayle Janning, and this is my husband, Jonathon.”

Something in the way she spoke triggered a memory in Brigit. “I remember you now. You instructed me to milk a cow when I was young.”

“I do remember that, yes. That was me. I am happy about your posting.”

“Thank you,” Brigit replied.

“Enough small talk, ladies. These people are tired and hungry. We need to get the horses to sleep; we need to be fed and put to sleep ourselves.” Jonathon said.

Brigit heard a sound above her in the clouds and looked up. It was the largest and noisiest bird she ever saw. As it approached, she realized it was a metal structure. Marissa saw her staring.

“Brigit, the next few weeks will all be like this: Newness, wonderment, amazement. You need to maintain your composure to avoid bringing attention to yourself. If you find yourself staring, look at something familiar.

She continued, “Brigit, that is called a shuttle. It travels to places we will not be going, all around this planet, and into orbit to the space stations and beyond. People are living on the Moon and Mars. A colony ship just left for a new planet in another solar system. At least the last time we were here, we watched their departure from the orbital station. We are here to gain provisions for the community. Items and foods we cannot grow, hunt, or find ourselves. We will be paired and sent on specific assignments to gain certain items.” She smiled at her friend, “All I ask is that you maintain.”

“I will try. But that is the best I can say.” Brigit smiled at the group.

They put the horses and the cart in the barn and made dinner. The talk was of the topic or events since they were here, in this place, last. Births, deaths, and an extended time reminiscing about Serena. All loved her.

Jonathon pointed to a hallway, “Friends, you know where your room is—boys on the left, girls on the right. Brigit, your room is the third door. There are clothes in the closet that should fit you. Gayle will assist you in dressing to blend in after breakfast. We wake at sunrise to take care of the animals, and if you would like to help, breakfast will be earlier than normal.”

The dishes were washed and dried, the kitchen cleaned up, the group headed down that hall, and as Brigit opened the third door, she saw a letter standing on the small writing desk. It was addressed to her.

Dropping her small bag on the bed, she picked up the letter and stared at it intently. Who knew she would be here? That question rolled into her mind for what seemed like a long while. Then it hit her. Serena was the only person who knew she would be here in this room.

She was scared. This, indeed, was a letter from beyond the grave. Opening the envelope slowly, she unfolded the paper.