Chapter 1: The Arrival
Rose drove her Prius up the dirt driveway, soaked from rain during the afternoon. The view is nice, she thought to herself. She was not one to talk to herself out loud. She looked beyond the house to the Rocky Mountains, almost giant gods to her car. Snow licked the tips, but not much snow yet despite being November. They were curtains in the sky, close enough to see the stitches of trees in the fabric. She parked her car and pulled her hood over her hair before getting out.
“Come on, Bruno!” Rose spoke sweetly to the Corgi in her passenger seat. He waddled over and leaped down before she shut her door. The house was nothing fancy, but well kept. Looked taken care of, and Rose was pleased. It was teal with blue trim, a small porch with a tiny garden by the steps. Awe, how cute! She walked up to the door, which was unlocked for her in advance. Rose and Bruno walked in, seeing a burgundy couch, a TV hung on the wall, and a small coffee table. Hmm, it appears to be oak. She swiped her finger on the table to check for dust. It was clean, just like she was promised online:
Perfect little cozy home to get away from the busy city life, honeymoons, weddings, or a break from the kiddos. Pet friendly. 420 friendly. No cigarette smoking inside. Recently professionally cleaned. You’ll have plenty of privacy, for this home is 3 miles away from the owner. Enjoy the scenic views of the Rocky Mountains. Jacuzzi tub on the bottom floor bathroom!
Rose really needed this break away from the world. Bruno unsuccessfully leaped toward the couch.
“Oh my gosh, Bruno.” she half chuckled. She picked him up and placed him on the couch. “There you go, my cute lil’ baby.” She took off her boots and then made her way to the kitchen. There was a note:
Thank you Rose for renting my home for the weekend! I am only 3 miles up the road if you have any concerns! I left my phone number at the bottom of the note. On the side of the fridge are some restaurants that deliver to the area, but you are more than welcome to cook anything you want! I have chickens on my property, so there are fresh eggs in the fridge I gathered this morning from them.
I hope you enjoy your stay! When you leave, just place the key under the flowerpot by the front door. Thank you again!
Dale Sherman
Rose smiled to herself. She released a long sigh. She opened the blinds in the kitchen, looking at the mountains. The clouds were dark grey, holding tears back. Mmm, it smells like it's going to rain again. She walked back out to her car and brought in a large purse and a backpack. She unloaded Bruno’s food and water bowl, a small bag of his dogfood, and his blanket. She also had packed some trail mix for the munchies. She pulled off her hoodie and left it on a dining chair. She wore a loose blouse with no bra. She filled Bruno’s water, then went up the stairs with her purse.
She put her purse on the dresser of the first room upstairs. She pulled out a hairbrush, a toothbrush, a journal, an army-rolled shirt to sleep in, her charger for her cell phone, her cell phone, lip gloss, mascara, a small cigarette of marijuana, a vibrator, and its charger. Her wallet stayed inside the purse.
I should check my messages before not being on it for a few days.
Rose checked in with most family and friends about taking a “mini vay-cay” this weekend. Her eyebrows pulled together as she immediately saw one notification on her screen:
I’m totally down with giving you space. I’m sorry you didn’t think you could tell me that. I can not imagine how hard it's been losing your mom this summer. I’m here if you need me, even if it’s just as friends. I care about you so much.
Love, Kyle
Her eyebrows relaxed after reading the text. She felt horrible breaking up with him, but couldn’t be happier with how understanding he is in the situation. She closed her cellphone and placed it on its charger next to the bed. She peeked at the bars of service on her cell, there was two.
Perfect. Enough service to call for help or food. Her stomach growled loudly.
Bruno had successfully got off the couch and hopped up the stairs to Rose. He sat in front of her as she sat at the edge of the bed, his tongue out and big adoring eyes looking up at her.
“It’s time for both of us to eat something, huh?!”
Bruno whined and barked. Rose took that as agreement.
