True North: An Apocalyptic MM Romance (Heart's Compass) by Kilgore C.E

Author:Kilgore, C.E. [Kilgore, C.E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tracing The Stars
Published: 2015-03-03T08:00:00+00:00

4

Over the next two weeks, according to the calendar in the kitchen that Chris has been dutifully marking, he and I settle into a quiet routine. He doesn’t bring up the shaving incident, and I do my best to keep my head down, help where I can around the house and be good company. We talk about safe topics like the weather, the goats, my art classes and what Chris is planning to do to the house come spring.

It’s strange to find that, beyond the obvious differences, we have a lot in common. I respect his desire to live apart from people and the world. It’s kinda like an artist’s dream, to live in an open place like this without distraction. I’ve always loved drawing old farmhouses, trees and birds – things with texture, stories and lives all their own. I’m not in short supply of such inspirations here.

When I went to university for a graphic design degree, it wasn’t because it’s what I wanted to do. But, drawing and painting rarely pay the bills. The glossy university pamphlet my high school counselor handed to me talked about job security and opportunities in graphic design, and I had an aging grandmother who’d need me to support her in some capacity.

God. I miss her. I hope she’s okay, but I know the chances are slim. All I can truly hope for is that she’s taking care of Kenzie, that they’re both watching over my shoulder, maybe, and that they’re happy I’ve survived this long.

It’s on a Thursday that I set my foot down without thinking to go do the dishes while Chris is in the barn. I walk from the couch to the kitchen sink before I realize the dreaded conclusion. My ankle is healed enough for me to walk without limping.

I’m healed up. My reason for staying is gone. Guess it’s time for me to get the fuck out.

I could hide it a bit longer, but why delay the inevitable? I’ve had two good weeks of a warm couch, food, the occasional coffee, and toilet paper. Best to just be thankful for it and move on. Maybe there’s an abandoned farm nearby. Chris said the Masons are gone, but I wouldn’t feel right breaking in after he’s told me so much about them.

Guess I could try to follow my original plan and actually head north. Though, with my directional sense, I’ll probably end up back in Lincoln. Doesn’t matter, anyway. A snowbank is a snowbank. Maybe the next one I stumble into will let me die in peace.

“Going somewhere?”

I glance up from stuffing a pair of socks into my backpack and meet Chris’s uncertain gaze. I’m going to miss his company. I’m going to miss that smile, and his laugh, and... I don’t want to leave.

But, it is what it is, and his message was clear. So, suck it up and move on.

“Hey! Yeah, look.” I take a few steps to show him my healed ankle. “All healed up, so I can finally get outta your hair.

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