Day 117: Conner’s Son’s Father at 1000 Days

Conner’s Son thought his father was foolish for leading them to this dilapidated oasis on the open prairie. Surely the beast that tracked them would turn it’s attention here–even if he didn’t think they were that stupid. A flock of crows startled at their unstealthy approach, rose like a flare, then dove back to their perches and cawed loudly. Nothing Conner’s son could imagine would announce their location more plainly. He hoped that in his death book they wrote, "Not the crows nor the beast that killed Conner’s Son but Conner’s Son’s Father."

Conner’s Son’s Father, Conner, smiled at the crows. "There’s been just enough rain that this should work. Follow the trail along the stream like you are hiding. Make sure you cross through the water several times. Come back when you hear my call. Come back through the stream only. Not on the path."

Conner’s Son nodded.

As soon as Conner’s Son was away Conner began meticulously uncovering the entrance to a cave. Stone by stone he exposed the slim hole. Each stone within arms reach of the entrance and neatly laid to avoid disturbing the secret over much.

"Son! Come back quickly."

Conner made a hasty and obvious trail opposite his son’s that ended in an expanse of rock and hard scrabble earth to obscure his path. He removed his boots and turned back to the hidden escape walking swiftly but with as much craft as he could to conceal his trail.

The beast would arrive soon. Conner’s Son had not returned.

Word count: 259

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