Coming back from the army, the guy kicked out his unfaithful wife and their illegitimate child. And getting rid of her things, he was dumbfounded by such a find…

But John was too late. Annie had moved out from relatives. Maybe to the city.

Or maybe further. The grim woman dropped through her lips. And slammed the door in the man’s face.

John searched for his wife long. He rallied all acquaintances in the city. Visited there many times himself.

Combed the whole county. The whole state. And nothing.

And by spring, he moved to the woods. Grabbed the ranger job. Like a lifeline.

In town, people looked at him like a beast. Almost twenty years passed. And only half greet him.

People’s memory is long. And malicious whispers behind his back. But today, he needed the store no matter what.

Tomorrow, the supervisor from the state capital brings the long-awaited assistant. Need to stock up supplies. Even if the kid is just for summer internship.

But still. What a help. As long as he walks fast and tireless.

John himself can’t keep up anymore. Poachers have been rampant for two years. Oh, how he needs a partner.

And the next morning, a green Jeep pulled up to his cabin. The burly supervisor heavily got out of the car. And stretched with a crunch.

Nice here, Old John. Air you can eat with a spoon. John even frowned angrily.

Where’s the promised help, Greg Thompson? Why alone? The supervisor smirked into his mustache.

The guy got out at the fork. Said he wants to walk. Old John fussed.

Hope he doesn’t get lost. But the supervisor waved his hand. This one won’t get lost.

Persistent. Peppered me with questions the whole way. And here he is.

Feed us, or what. The young man liked John right away. Tall, broad-shouldered.

Open gaze, without wariness. Introduced himself as Chris. Washed his hands at the sink.

Sat at the table without fuss. Ate with appetite. In conversation, told what he noticed on the way.

John even chuckled. Smart kid. Talks sense…