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Relaxed and fed, we travel this road of total unknown. Our distant destination awaits, far from where we currently wander. With the taste of a good meal still upon us, and the breath of a recent cocktail, no fear has entered into our system as of yet. As we descend more remotely onward, so much around us now becomes unaware. This road we now follow, transforms into what resembles a seasonal passage. An occasional driveway, which appear to lead well into the dense wooded area, shows modestly in our view. We have yet to see the glimpse of any human, only the tracks of vehicles left embedded in the dirt of this roadway. Tentatively a glance toward the fuel gauge is made on my behalf. To my surprise, we now only have an eighth of a tank, which has now initiated the blood to start its increased flow. Remain calm, is what they say in these situations. This road allowed us in, which will also return the favor outward. I smile tenderly at my mate as dusk has made its way.

Clearly now, to take one of these lanes leading off this road will be necessary given this situation. Choosing which one seems to be the real challenge. No lights are visible as we travel onward, through this damp, cedar wooded trail. One of the next few choices of drives, will have to be decided soon. This is the one. A flat smooth approach, with recent tracks showing. I turn my signal on as if the concern of traffic exists in this remote land. Slowly we travel away from the main road. Winding densely further away from what only seemed minutes earlier, finishing a delicious dinner together in such a peaceful setting. No towers working to provide a signal to our cell phones. Still we press forward into the night.

A clearing seems to be visible just ahead. As we slowly pull into the opening, a few building structures now come into focus. Still no lights other than that of the lights cascaded by our vehicle. We decide to take a look around. Slowly we walk to a building, where livestock may be corralled. Nervously I open the squeaky door, while fright enters my mate. As we walk further into this building, the feeling of something other than us being present becomes more likely. We both hear a sound. A rustling scurry now unfolds, in the partially lit space we are now entrenched. I remember I have placed a book of matches from the restaurant, into my front pocket of my pants. This noise we hear is only a few paces in front of where we stand. I reach for the pack, which I know will startle the creature beside us. I strike the match, with the glow exposing the dreadfulness to our eyes. Shackled to a post, is a boy of maybe 10-12 years of age. Partially clothed, and fear filled eyes, show civilization once was known of this poor soul. We must find help, but where, and how. Another noise is heard, and now we fear who has done this unthinkable act to this boy is present. I here a thud, and see my mate to my left crumble to the ground. Before I can react, I too crumble into the night.

Morning is upon us, and now the shackles embrace the legs of all three who once knew freedom. In the distance, the sound of terror is clear. Hearing the shrieks of human cries could only match our doom. We comfort the boy beside us. Only time will tell our fate.

Learn more about this author, David O'Brien.
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