I set out with enough food for three days, heading for the ravine where the forest was dense, the birds plentiful and the creek ran high. Searching for the man who disappeared months ago, whose name no one could remember. They said he was a drunk, a loner, a derelict, but something in me said he was worth finding.
    Four days later and out of food, I spotted him in a black suit and hat, hunched over, as still as a rock. I took a few steps in his direction. Maybe he’s dead.
   I placed my hand on his shoulder. “Are you all right?”
   The man raised his head ever so slowly, looked at me with his good eye, and said nothing. His suit was immaculate. His hat was, too.
   “I’ve been looking for you for several days.”
   He gave me a toothless smile.

   “You’re not looking for me.” 
   “I was. Really.”

 

Part 2​