Arctodus by L.J. Vitanza

Author:L.J. Vitanza [Vitanza, L.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-08-04T00:00:00+00:00

When sunset loomed over the park in central Pine Creek, residents returned home. They showed little concern about bears or lurking predators. Everyone understood law enforcement had killed the man-eater, and life had returned to normal in Pine Creek. The residents called it a day. Now it was time to eat hot, comfort food and settle into comfy couches to watch television.

Jim sat in his truck and watched Dale disappear with Sam. He stayed behind to ensure the park had emptied before returning home to his wife. There were no bear sightings while the three occupied a picnic bench during daylight hours and pored over maps of the area. They could not pinpoint where a bear that size was hiding. The landscape in Pine Creek provided it with lots of coverage and shelter.

When the last two children rode off on skateboards, Jim left, knowing the park was empty. No one, including Jim, noticed a young man approaching from the opposite direction. He walked along the main street in town and cut across the lawn as he entered the park. The weather was perfect for an evening of rockhounding.

Although Justin knew more about rocks than most professionals, he considered himself an amateur geologist. The young man eagerly awaited the start of every spring when the snow melted and revealed the raw earth. Tonight, Justin planned to scour the shallow creek bed for collectible rocks with a head lantern and black light.

Justin planned to walk further out to find the prized rocks he sought. The closer to town, the less chance to score valuable finds. He aimed to fill his empty backpack with green epidote pieces he could polish and sell. It was a hobby that allowed Justin to earn extra money to purchase new rocks and minerals he could not find locally.

Justin stopped where the path led into the forest. He placed the headlamp over his forehead and switched on the light. The forest was much darker than the open field behind him. Justin walked along the paved path that followed the winding creek. After some time, he noticed a clearing to his right and moved towards it. The water was shallow and free of plant growth. It was the perfect spot to look for rocks.

Several hours later, Justin’s backpack grew heavy. He found many rocks in this part of the creek. When his back started aching, he returned to the path to sit down and glimpse his stash. He could add a few sizeable pieces before returning home if there was enough space.

Justin drank from a water bottle, listening to the surrounding woodland. Small creatures cracked twigs and brittle leaves as they scampered about the forest floor. A squirrel jumped from one tree to another, startling him. He chugged his remaining water and shoved the empty bottle into a side pocket.

Another sound in the distance grew louder. Justin wondered if a moose or deer approached. A moose would cause problems, especially if it traveled with its young. Justin peered down the path and through the trees, but saw nothing.

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