This is really just a nameless character's encounter with Juunanagou (android 17) and her descriptions of his house. It was originally a school assignment where we were supposed to focus more on description than plot. I am reposting this because I did not get any reviews last time I posted.... I'll be happy if I get even one review -good or bad- Standard Disclaimers Apply.

*************************

Juunanagou's Forest Home

A small section of land, maybe an acre or two, surrounded on all sides by a forest mixed with cherrywoods and misques. A single stone path stretches from the clearing 3.2 miles until it merges with a lonely stretch of Highway 52.

You must come on foot or bicycle if you want to visit him. Once you get within a mile, he can hear the clop-clop of your shoes on the path.

On the south, there is another stone path that leads to a natural pool of spring water. All around the pool are limestone rocks that stand five feet above the mirror surface. The path turns to stairs about two feet wide as you reach the limestone. It brings a sense of privacy and secrecy.

The house stands alone in the center of the clearing. It's exterior is a mixture of cherrywood logs and odd-shaped stones-the same stones used in the paths. A patio, again with the odd stones, sits about ten feet in all directions from the house. There are always stone chairs and a table out on the patio waiting for occupants.

He doesn't get visitors often. When he does, he is happy to cook steaks or chicken over a hot fire built with misque for them. He almost always cooks outside; you can tell by the inviting smell of the fire.

Have you ever had grilled chicken over a misque fire? It seems to melt in your mouth. I've told him so and he gives me a smile that melts my heart. "Would you like to see the house?" he asks me.

"Sure," I say. He takes my hand and shows me inside. The interior walls and ceiling are all cherrywood; the floors are those odd-shaped stones-I must remember to ask him exactly what type. A single bed sits in the corner. A couch and two chairs sit in the middle of the room. A small oven and sink are at the far end, along with a fridge. A small door by the bed leads to the bathroom. There is a shelf in the back that contains numerous woodcarvings, most of which are animals and plants. "Did you do those?" I ask him.

"Yeah," he replies. He seems happy that I like them. Then he shows me several carved candleholders that he made. He is using them to hold his only source of light-candles. There are special tops on the holders so the candles won't burn out of control.

Suddenly, I notice it is 10:00. "Why don't you stay here tonight," he offers. I am getting tired, so I graciously accept his invitation. He surprises me by allowing me to have the bed. He sleeps on the couch. The bed is soft and cushy. I get a good night's sleep-better than I've had before.

As I go to leave in the morning, he presses something into my hand and tells me to come back anytime. I look at what he has given me. It is a carved crow, one of his best pieces. I thank him and promise to return, and start 'clop-clop' down the path.