It was late morning when Ralph's eyes fluttered open, the cool air a bracing alarm clock. Bill had been up since dawn, feeling better than he had in a long time. He was preparing his camp for his inevitable absence. During the night that small tug had become a full, urgent call. Ralph's presence had sealed the deal. He knew he had to leave and he hated every second of it.
He vowed he would return to his home if he could. Now he knew that "they" could get to him, but at least he could feel he was living on his own terms--as close to the earth as he possibly could.
"Here, kid. Try this." He handed Ralph some coffee that would revive King Tut.
"Wow!" Ralph exclaimed, as he felt the brew hit him.
"Huh? You won't get that at your frou-frou Coffee-schmucks?"
"What time is it?"
"Late. You better get your little nap sack together. Where's your car? If you're down river, we can take the stream and maybe even catch a fresh lunch."
Ralph was ecstatic and surprised. "What happened to all that stuff you said…?"
"I have a few things to stow, but other than that, we can leave. Ralph, would choo wipe that grin off your face?"
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
The river compliantly cradled the pair on their journey. Ralph was taken by the utter beauty of his surroundings. He watched Bill as he expertly guided the boat through a patch of dangerous water.
Their passage prompted a flock of great blue heron to rise to the sky, creating a tableau from Jurassic Park with their pterodactyl silhouettes. A group of beavers ignored the boat and worked at their twiggy home. An impressive Elk sipped from the stream and eyed the boat warily. Ralph thought he caught a glimpse of a wolverine that was also going about the business of survival.
"If this is to be my last hours on earth," he thought, "then this is a good way to spend it. I just wish Pam were here."
"This should do it! Where's your map. Gimme." demanded Bill.