Read Online Waiting for Harvey (The Spirits of Maine) by Lydia North, Kim Scott - Free Book Online Page B

and set them on the kitchen counter as if I planned to use them to prepare my lunch or supper later in the day.  My laptop was open to my manuscript on the table by the couch.  If anyone had been watching that morning, he would have been reassured that I meant to return, and I felt sure that he was watching.
    Inwardly, I was proud of myself for being so clever.  I would mislead him until I was safely away from the cabin.  I would find the road out of the woods and be far away before the spirit even suspected what I planned.  It was a great scheme.  There was a twinge of guilt at my betrayal of the lonely being, but I couldn’t allow that thought to impact my decisions. 
    I bagged up the trash as if it mattered to me.  I carried it out and crammed it into the crowded metal trash barrel.  With the lid on it again, I secured it with a bungee cord to keep out the raccoons, skunks, and other scavengers.  Careful not to smile, I went inside and checked to make sure the hot water reserve tank was full.
    “It will be good to have a hot shower before supper,” I announced, confident he would be listening.  I filled two water bottles and tucked them into my pockets before striding confidently outside
    Whistling cheerfully, I secured the front door.  I allowed a smile to touch my lips as I rolled the ATV out of the shed and started it.  After a last look around at the beautiful scenery, I settled on the seat.  I accelerated and rode over the uneven trail through the woods.    
    During the night more snow had fallen, leaving drifts here and there.  The tree that blocked the road was partially covered.  Beyond it, there was no sign of any vehicle or human.  I maneuvered the ATV down the banking and up the other side to get around the massive log.  Tracks left by deer, rabbits, and several other animals crisscrossed the road ahead. 
    Growing more excited, I sped along the lane.  I had been alone in the cabin for a month, with no human contact.  It had been a great opportunity to break through the writer’s block and begin writing seriously again.  Still I was ready to return to civilization and enjoy conversation again.  I chuckled, thinking I was looking forward to Christmas with John and our sisters or maybe even our dad.  The chaos of a family holiday celebration would be a welcomed change from the isolation of the cabin.
    A light breeze dusted snow from the trees.  I guessed that the temperature was near 40° as slushy spots began to appear on the road.  A thin layer of ice was melting with the snow.  When the sun set again it would refreeze, but that didn’t concern me.  I knew I’d be in a warm bed at a hotel or John’s house before midnight.  I could almost taste the blueberry pancakes I would order for breakfast the next morning.
    Speeding along the road I was smiling with Hakuna Matata playing in my head.  “…it means no worries for the rest of your days…” I shouted out and laughed, startling a small flock of birds.  The last of the clouds broke apart and moved to the north.  By the time I reached the end of the next fire lane, I was singing Supercalafragalisticexpialadoshus at the top of my lungs.  I turned right where I had chosen left the day before.  Excitedly, I travelled along the snow covered dirt road and continued my song.
    For more than an hour I drove from one rough road to another.  Some showed signs that trucks or other ATVs had used them, although not recently.  I slowed the machine and studied the sky.  The sun was high overhead.  I was surprised that I hadn’t yet encountered a paved road.  I halted the ATV, shut off the motor and listened intently.  I hoped to hear some kind of traffic in the distance.  Nothing but the sounds of the woods could be heard. 
    I needed to find the route to the main road.  It would be bad to be out on the ATV, after the sun went down and the temperature dropped with it.  I had no shelter and wasn’t confident that I could