I had no idea what to do next, so I set out to meet some people, get the lay of the land. Maybe I can find someone who can tell me what I need to do to lift the curse.
The first person I met was Matthew Desalle, a community gardener.
He's not really my type and we hadn't been talking for five minutes when I realized I would not be inviting him to move in.
Matthew: I'll tell you right now. I hate children. So, if you plan on pulling me into some crazy scheme just to get my maxed
gardening skill, you've got another think coming young lady.
Chere: Rude.
Matthew: I just want you to know where we stand. I'm not interested in marriage or in holding down a regular job.
I like my life just as it is, got it?
Chere: How about we arm wrestle? Check out these guns! You wanna piece of me, old man?
Matthew: Hold on, now. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I'm not destined for a major role in this thing, but I can help you on your way.
Meet me at Desert Springs Park at 9 sharp tomorrow morning. There's a woman you need to see.
Despite my reservations, I did as he said.
Wow, a noncommittal slob who hates children. Be still my poor heart!
Matthew told me to head to the far edge of the park where a woman would be waiting for me.
I ran back as quickly as I could and there she was.
Chere: Hi. I've been told you might be able to help me out? I really need to know what I should do next.
It seems like I'm adrift and there's something about the path not taken that keeps popping into my head
but I can't seem to make any sense of it. How can I not take a path when I don't even know where the paths are? It's all so frustrating.
Marie: :::yawns::: Lord, how you do chatter, child. You need a talisman for protection until you lift the curse.
Go to Magnolia Promenade and get a knight in shining armor. You may never sell it. By giving over all your worldly funds,
you show the spirits that you are worthy. Now, please excuse me while I go find someone interesting to talk to.
Chere: Rude.
I stayed at the park until nightfall and, since I didn't own a single thing, decided I may as well just sleep there.
At least the view is nice.
The next morning my head was clearer. At least I had a task to complete. I spent most of the day at the park,
scavenging for rocks and crystals, catching frogs, and doing a little bit of fishing. Late in the day, I finally had enough
stuff to sell to be able to afford that knight thingy and some bare essentials.
I fell into the tent, completely exhausted and fell asleep immediately. I'm not sure how much time had passed when I heard
someone hissing my name.
Voice: Misssss Hebert? I have a Messssage for you. Can you Ssssstep out of the tent, pleasssse?
Chere: So, what's the mess....Wha....Who....
Voice: Thissss won't hurt a bit, sssssweetheart.
Chere: I don't....I'm....so sleepy....
Suddenly, my knees buckled and I felt myself falling.
Voice: Ssssomething ssssomething...hermit....woodssssss....fallsssss....
I think I heard my own voice then: Rude.
The next morning, after a quick Google search on my phone, I booked a ticket to Granite Falls.
I hope I'm doing the right thing. Once there, I sought out the park ranger for help.
Chere: So, this may seem totally random but do you by any chance know of a hermit who lives hereabouts?
Ranger: Follow that path past the fallen log. Look to your right and you'll see the way to go. Just a little pro tip, sweetie.
It's always a good idea to wear the proper attire out in the woods. Your boots are good but the rest of you looks like you are more
at home in a snug coffee shop than in the deep woods.
Chere: Um, rude!
I followed the path and sure enough, I found a spot that looked like it might be the way to go.
It seemed oddly familiar. Like I'd been here before. But, no, not here. Somewhere else where I had to clear a path to move forward.
It's right on the edge of my memory, but I can't quite grasp it. Maybe it was just a dream.
Well, here goes.
