Montag peeled open his unwilling eyes and looked around at the birds that rested on every tree. A few feet away, a buck lapped up water from a nearby stream. The peace helped Montag relax, because he was still frightened by the vision he had the other night. Finally having time to gather his bearings, Montag began to look over the items still left in his bag. "Damn it." Montag quietly cursed himself for not remembering to grab the basic essentials. There was no food, water, or any other necessary item in his bag. Grumbling, Montag stumbled to his feet and began to head out of the forest. "There must be a town nearby," he said to himself as he started his long walk towards civilization.
After walking for a couple of hours, Montag felt himself beginning to give up. 'Where is everyone?' he thought to himself. Then, just when his determination had failed him, Montag came upon a clearing and a downward sloping hill. Sighing with relief, Montag started to run as fast as his worn out legs could take him. A village, at last! Though a small one, it seemed very well established with a small building on the outskirts. However, common sense returned to Montag and he began to worry about the mind frame present in this town. 'Do they appreciate books? Or do they burn them like they did in my old city?' Montag couldn't help but wonder. Finally, Montag realized that the only way to find out was to go in himself. Summoning up all his courage, Montag headed down the hill.
Stopping at the first house he came to, Montag timidly knocked on the door. A middle-aged woman with a weary face answered the door; she had a swaddled new born in her arms and small boy latched on to her leg. Montag was unsure of what to say and he stumbled over his words.
"Ummm, excuse me, ma'am. Do you know where a weary traveler could rest his feet for the night?"
The woman was polite but firm in her response. "There is no place is this town for a tired man to stay the night. We in Copemish rarely receive visitors." However, when she looked into Montag's sad eyes she changed her mind. "But, I guess I have another bed in the back room that is unoccupied. If you wish, you can stay here tonight."
Montag thanked the lady and gratefully followed her into the house. Once inside, Montag noticed the rest of the family. A petite girl huddled next to the fire with her younger brother. The small boy that Montag had encountered at the door came in and sat with his siblings in front of the hearth. The girl and her younger brother spoke first.
"Please sir," they began "do you have any stories to tell?"
The words from these two small children caused an instant reaction.
"They don't know what they're saying sir. They're just foolish children!" the women from the door frantically tried to dig herself out of the hole her children had created. "Please don't turn us in." she begged Montag.
"It's okay," he told the family "for I do have stories to tell. Gather around."
All of the children circled around Montag, lapping up his words with greed. So Montag began his tale. He spoke of his journey and the intellectuals, and he wove webs with each and every word. The small family became entranced with Montag's heroic tale and they were all disappointed when he was done. After a long moment of silence the mother spoke,
"Alright children, off to bed."
The children groaned and grumbled, but dutifully marched off to bed.
"And I suppose you are exhausted as well?" she said
"Why yes I am." He replied
"I'll show you to your room Mr. …"
"…Montag."