Kicking Back

As if it’s on cue, a splashing sound came from the water and break the silence. A fish bit his hook, which in turn caused him to jerk the fishing rod backward.

"Oh! I got another one Marshall. Isn’t she a big one now?”

He said joyously, as he hold the trout that he just reeled to the land seconds ago. I replied with a smile on my face as I’m standing up.

“For sure, she’s a big one alright.”

“Say Marshall, have you eaten breakfast yet?”

“Of course not, someone told me to come to a lake early in the damn morning.”

“Sorry ‘bout that yea? Can you make a fire for me lad, let’s cook the fishes. I also have some tea with me.”

Agreeing to his request as I’m also hungry because I haven’t had anything since I wake up, I make quick worth with the fire.

Kevin gutted the fishes when I was searching for some dead sticks to start the fire. I then lit the bonfire.

Followed by Kevin boiling hot water on top of it and roast the fishes that he sticked with a small tree branch.

He brewed two cups of tea and gave one to me. With that, we enjoy a humble breakfast by the lake.

We continued to talk for a bit.

He shared his story about his travel from that fateful day, up until he’s sitting here. Of course, I shared my story as well. Not to mention, we didn’t forget to reminisce about the old days.

With no tea left to drink, and fishes left to eat. We decided to call it a day. As we we’re readying to say our farewell to each other, I asked him a question.

“I know it’s too late for this, but I never got your full name!”

“It’s Kevin Hanby. Thought I told ye already, I must’ve forgot.”

“I see. Good luck on your journey mister Kevin Hanby!”

“You too Marshall Mallow! Then, ‘till we meet again!”

We parted ways as he continued to head south. While I head Northeast to go back to the city.

The day then continued like usual.

I tied Betsy’s leash to a post that’s outside the Inn. After that, I walked to the general store where I’m hired there as a clerk.

Business is steady as usual, with people came and went to buy things either to stock up for their journey or because they ran out of things in their house.

I was keeping records of transactions and the inventory by writing them down on the book. Out of the blue, my boss asked me a question.

“Marshall, have you read the newspaper yet?”

“No mister, I haven’t yet.”

He then chuckled a newspaper towards me.

“Take a look at it boy!”

The newspaper is the local one produced by the city. It’s called the ‘Plum Fool Mail Tribune’. What’s written on the headline can send chills to anyone who reads it.

Beware of Monsters of The Night!

Cases has been reported throughout the Americas of corpses drained dry of blood. Similar to the ones happened in Europe during the 1600s, it is believed to be the work of the Vampires. They feast on human’s blood.

Despite similar to human, they can be distinguished by their pale white skin and the scary fangs they bear. Residences are discouraged from or be aware when roaming in the night, as this is the active hour of Vampires due to their inability to walk under the sun.

Vanquishers that are specialized to hunt them down has come from Europe. The government is making effort in helping with their hunts in order to keep the people safe—

I couldn’t be bothered to read the rest of it, as I heard this story about vampires long before. But I never thought to hear it again now, not to mention that it’s on the newspaper of all place.

“I see, so they’re real.” I muttered.

“Boy, there’s no way! They’re just fairy tales told by the settlers to scare us, there’s no such thing.”

“I didn’t believe it too when I first heard stories about Vampires. But, if they report it like this, it must’ve been real right?”

As if he’s disappointed in me, like a mother who found out their son stole something, he gave a big sigh. Speaking in a playful voice, he replied to me.

“It doesn’t matter if they real or not, what matter is what you’re going to do with your future!”

“Me? My future?”

“Yes Marshall, you’re still young. You have to think about your future, be successful, marry someone, and then start a family!”

There he goes again, rambling like always.

I did thought about it. But after considering my upbringing, the idea might be a bit too far fetched.

“If you wait too long, you’ll be like me. I might be successful, but there’s nothing to look forward to when I head back home.”

“I see. First I need to be successful huh?”

When I said that out loud, I remembered something that someone told me long ago.

“If we make it, we’ll all be rich. Don’t forget, your cut will be a tenth of it!”

I buried those thoughts back down as I tried my best to forget it. I don’t want to use that money, as every dollar is stained with someone else’s blood on it.

I shook my head as I continued.

“Well I guess I can figure that out later. Next is to find the love of my life huh? I never thought that far actually.”

My boss who is leaning on the store’s counter, gave me a smile as he replied with a steady voice.

“Don’t think too hard. I did say all that, but, take it easy boy. However, if the time comes, don’t miss your chance alright?”

I gave him a few nods.

I don’t get everything, but at least I understand the gist of it. That’s my boss for you. On one minute he’ll be talking about nonsense, the next, he’ll randomly give you life advice.

I then continued watching over the store.

Before long, I noticed that the sun has already began to set. My boss and I cleaned up the store, and closed it for the day.

When I walked back home, I noticed that the sun has already set and the night began to slowly roll in.

I visited a small restaurant that’s on my way back, it’s located in the same district as my Inn. I ate chicken stew that they served here almost everyday.

Sitting on the table next to me, a couple is enjoying their night together while chowing down on their food. They reminded me about what my boss said earlier.

I paid for my food, it was only 50 cent for the whole thing. I head straight back to the Inn.

When I arrived, a man on the front desk greeted me. He’s the landlord, and the lady earlier this morning is his wife.

“Welcome back Marshall, how was your day?”

“It went alright I guess.”

I said with a steady voice, as I head upstairs and into my room.

I put my hat on the table, takes off my boots and vest. With a heavy body that’s tired from work, I lay down on my bed.

I woke up early this morning, so I decided to also sleep a bit earlier tonight. I fell asleep almost instantly.

However, after sleeping for a good few hours or so, I suddenly woke up. It was caused by the nightmare I had, I saw my dark past that I’m trying to forget.

But it seems that my mind is playing it back again and again from time to time. I tried to go back to sleep, but to no avail. As vision of the crimes I committed is burnt into my eyes.

At times like this, I can understand why Kevin seeks salvation from drinking alcohol.

I got up, grabbed my boots and my fur jacket, put on my hat and headed to the saloon. There’s a saloon located near my Inn, but I decided to go to the one at the central district.

It was cold when I walked down the empty street. The dim light from the street lamp, light from inside the building and the moonlight is the only thing that helps me to navigate.

However, there’s a weird feeling that’s crawling inside me. It feels like someone is following. I feel like they’ve been following me for a while now. I don’t know who they are. If I have to guess, it’s probably the Cherrington.

I then looked behind me, nothing seems to be out of the ordinary. All I saw was an empty street. Perhaps I was just overthinking it. I continued by walking in a slightly faster pace.

There it is, I’ve arrived. The place sign on top of the saloon reads ‘Route Ol’ Blue’. I see, so that’s why they decided to paint the planks blue.

The theme seems to continue. As some of the interior are also blue, such as table cloth, the piano, and the wooden walls.

I welcomed by glamour when I entered. And yet, cold sweats began to form. Is it that cold tonight?