@fatened walked into town.
News traveled slow and rarely reached her. She was secluded, isolated—left alone. Morrigan’s farm was hidden deep in the forested Appalachian mountains. She rarely left but when she did, she moved through the woods and back into the remains of civilization slowly and carefully. The area was desolate; most people having fled to nearby quarantine zones, leaving everything behind. Items she had picked over for the past twenty five years. It was rare for her to encounter another living, breathing person, rarer they didn’t fight. So, she learned early on that it was too best to be alone. But with isolation came higher senses, an eagle eye to notice when things had changed. And over the past few months, things had slowly started to change.
It started off small, a few trees chopped down at the edge of her woods. Random CDs and DVDs missing from the nearby entertainment store. Items she had noticed that forever remained in the background but once they were gone stood out more than ever before. So, she did what any sane and rational person would do.
She hid, waiting, and watching.
It took some time but of course, they appeared. A duo, father and child it looked like. They picked over the remains, talking quietly amongst themselves. She dared not move, dared not to make a sound. Morrigan stayed on the rooftop, watching them move from store to store, car to car, and when the sun started to set they left.
Over the next few weeks, she continued her stakeouts, waiting for their return. It seemed like once a week or so they would come back and when they did she got closer and closer. Snippets of conversation, sometimes in a language she didn’t understand, but when she could it was usually about medical supplies (which she had already taken), food, and other usual needs; sometimes they would crack a joke or two. Morrigan eventually found herself conflicted—normally she never wanted anyone around, would fight off and drive away those that dared entire her domain. But, they were harmless and clearly stayed somewhere close by which is really what worried her. All this time how was she to know she had neighbors?
Eventually, she made a decision. By now she had sorted out their schedule and knew when they would come again so she got to the town early, pulling a rusted chair to the center of the main street entrance. Today she wasn't alone, a dog lay curled up on the road next to her, and a rifle rested against the arm of the chair. The morning passed and slowly she noticed figures growing larger in the distance. Morrigan didn't move from her spot, the dog next to her slowly lifted his head before moving to a sitting position, ready and waiting for an order.
"Hey there," she said when they got close enough, about twenty or so feet away. She leaned forward in her chair, elbows on her knees, a sickly sweet smile growing. A low growl could be heard from the dog. "Whoa, easy there, bud." she gave him a small pat on the head, not taking her eyes off the pair before her. "Wouldn't want someone to get jumpy and make the wrong move," eyes narrowed, "now would we?"
