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Chapter three:

Dan and Laura arrived home. After a big day at work, they were both looking forward to relaxing. Their daughter Sara had arrived home just before them. She came running out to them, eyes wild, and waving a piece of paper. Collapsing into her parents outstretched arms, Sara could do nothing but sob. Dan's eyes widened as they scanned the piece of paper. Laura, too, let out a gasp at what was written on the paper.

Dear Mum, Dad and Sara,

Bye time you Get this message, I will be long gone.

Please, don't try to find me. This is something that I

must do. I wish for everyone to remember me the way

I was. Maybe someday I will come back. But for now,

this is goodbye. I love each and every one of you.

All my love,

Mike.

As they finished reading, Laura would not believe this note. She ran inside the house to Mike's room. She found he had left most of his possessions, only his two daggers and his khukuri were worth noting as missing. Laura collapsed, her daughter sat down beside her and together, the two women cried as Dan attempted to dial the police.

"The police will be here soon" Dan said as he hung up the phone. His voice had a note of sadness to it. He was choking up, but did his best to stay strong for his wife and daughter. The two women had no energy left to weep, and soon just sat there hugging each other. Dan sat down with them, and together, they began what was going to be a long night.

...

Mike stirred and awoke to the smell of bacon wafting up from the camp site. The sound of the families there sent waves of loneliness through Mike's heart. Knowing that he couldn't stay in Davies Creek forever, Mike roused himself and went to the water's edge to wash his face. The cold water on a brisk morning was refreshing for Mike. He realised he hadn't eaten or drank since lunchtime the previous day. Slaking his thirst, Mike got up and made his way back to his small cave. He dug through his backpack until he found what he was looking for. His small packet of cereal was bound to be bland, but was better than starving to death. As he was eating, Mike's mind turned to his future. He had no place to go; and as far as everyone else was concerned, he never existed. A sudden noise startled him out of his reverie. Jumping up, Mike instinctively drew one of his daggers and hugged the wall of the cave; ready to face the intruder. A head poked into the cave. It was the young boy from the night before. The sunlight coming in from a gap in the rocks illuminated his features; allowing Mike to see the boy more clearly. He knew who this kid was.

The boy spotted Mikes belongings. Thinking that they were abandoned, he made his way towards them. Bending down, he opened the backpack. A voice spoke. "Please don't touch that Saxon." Mike emerged from the shadows of the cave. Startled, Saxon turned to run back towards the entrance of the cave, only to find his exit blocked by a giant wolf. Mike sheathed his dagger, and stood aside to let the boy go. But fear, it seemed, had rooted Saxon to the spot. Sighing, Mike picked up his bag to leave. He had taken only a couple of steps when Saxon had found his voice. "Wait! Please, don't go yet. How do you know me? What are you? Are you a werewolf?" The boy was so full of questions; Mike guessed that this would take a while. Turning around, Mike gestured for him to sit and, not wanting to leave the boy creeped out, prepared to answer a few of his questions. "I know you because firstly, you used to be on my bus when I went to school and secondly, you're my bosses son" Mike began.

"Wait, so, you were human?" Saxon asked incredulously.

"Yes" came the reply.

"So...who are you?"

"That is something I shall keep to myself. And no, I am not a werewolf." Mike answered with a note of finality in his voice. "And for now, I think that is enough questions Saxon. Please, don't tell anyone about me. I am sorry I scared you last night. But now, I must be leaving. Goodbye." With that, Mike got up and walked out of the cave, leaving a wide eyed Saxon staring after him.

***

Heading back out to the highway, Mike stopped and took a breath. He felt good; today was going to be a good day. He knew that for sure. Keeping to the trees, Mike followed the road. He knew what he was going to do. He would head west, until he reached the opposite coast of Australia. He would figure out his next move once he reached his destination. Mike kept going. He would stop in the next town. He had his bank card with him and, under cover of night, withdraw enough money to pay for any food he could lay his hands on. Confident of his plans, Mike headed west. Always west.