“Not at all.” He looked at her with concern. “Do we need to find a doctor?”
“No. Just bring me some unsweetened tea and a slice of whatever kind of bread they have.”
“All right. I’ll get some extra food for later, just in case you change your mind.”
She nodded and lay her head against the window. The next thing she knew, he was opening the door. “I’m back.”
Journey rubbed her face. “I must’ve dropped off to sleep. I don’t know why I’m so tired.”
“Maybe it was all those orgasms I gave you last night.”
Knowing he was trying to make her smile, she obliged. “I’m sure you’re right.” She took the tea he brought to her. “Thanks for this.”
“And here’s a slice of homemade bread. There’s a little thing full of butter there too.”
“Dry is good.” She took a bite, then a sip of tea. “I’m sure I’ll be fine in a jiffy.”
Reno didn’t start eating right away. “I’m worried about you.”
“Don’t be.” She indicated his food. “Eat up. Don’t let it get cold.”
He did as she suggested, even offering the boy cats a bite or two. Journey finished her tea and bread but declined anything else. “If you don’t mind, would you put the leftovers in the very back? The smell is bothering me a bit.”
“Of course.” Reno wrapped the food up tightly and deposited it where she asked. “Do you want me to drive?”
“No. I’ll be fine. I don’t want you spending your last few days here in jail.”
On the road again, the miles seemed to go by faster. Reno felt like a magnet was pulling him forward. When they drew near to Knoxville, he hungrily looked in every direction. “This is so frustrating. I see nothing of the past. Buildings. Road. Concrete. Is this progress?”
“Some would say so.” She checked the GPS. “Where we’re going is part of the Knoxville Urban Wilderness. They’re doing what they can to preserve nature and the past.”
“I hope so.” Alert, he kept his eyes focused ahead. “Although, I can’t imagine anything from before surviving such growth.”
When they came to the park entrance, Journey paid their fee, and found a parking spot. Reno slowly left the car to survey his surroundings. She couldn’t imagine how he must feel. “There are three different hiking trails. I’ll get a map and you can pick the direction you want to go.”
He nodded. “Okay.” His eyes were following a woman with a stroller and a man leading a dog. “I just didn’t expect there to be people here.”
“People are enjoying the nice weather. Besides, this is a beautiful place.” She pointed to a bench. “Wait here and I’ll be right back.”
“Do you feel okay? If you don’t, we can leave.”
Journey knew he was worried about her, but she also felt he might be getting cold feet. “I’m good. The fresh air will make me feel even better.”
“If you’re sure.” He watched her head to a building with brightly colored signs advertising upcoming events to be held in the park. “This is wild.” Of all the crazy things he’d seen and done, nothing felt more upside down than being in the place where he’d spent his childhood and recognizing nothing. Reno felt like he’d never been here before.
“Okay. Got it.” Journey waved the map as she plopped down next to him. “See what you think.”
He studied the map which showed the river, a boardwalk, three hiking trails, a quarry lake, and a cemetery. “Odd.”
“What is?”
Chuckling, Reno pointed at the drawing. “All of it. There wasn’t a quarry here before. I guess someone dug up the marble. Probably took everything I knew with it.”
“Don’t be discouraged. Let’s walk around and enjoy the scenery.” She gazed at the gorgeous greenery. “You have to admit, this is a little piece of paradise sitting right in the middle of the city.”
“It used to be even more beautiful, believe me.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” She stood and offered her hand. “Shall we?”
“We shall.” He stood with her, his head lifting to the darkening sky. “We shouldn’t waste any time. I think it might rain.”
Over the next little while, Journey and Reno walked along narrow trails flanked by large trees and thick undergrowth. When they came to the edge of the river, he released her hand and moved forward to survey the panoramic beauty. “The curve of the river here, this looks familiar.” He looked around, then jogged a few yards on down the trail. “Yes, I think our cabin used to sit right about…” Reno looked at the trees. Obviously, they weren’t virgin. “Oh, there’s no telling what trees have been cut down or died. It’s hard to pinpoint a landmark.”
“The trees might be new, but the ground they’re rooted in is the same. Just close your eyes and let your instincts take over.”
Reno did as she asked, shutting his eyes, breathing deeply as the breeze caressed his face. When he opened his eyes, he glanced to the right, then moved a few feet off the beaten trail. “This is it. I wasn’t too far off. See that high rock on the bluff across the river. I could see it from our front door.” He walked in a circle, studying the ground. “It’s like I’m looking for footprints that aren’t here anymore.” Cocking his head, he listened. “Seems like I should be able to hear Cole’s voice. Or Clay’s.” Taking a few more steps deeper into the forest, he held out his hand as if touching log walls long leveled. “I remember the last day Mother was here. She spent the morning doing the wash. There’s no telling how many buckets of water I carted up that hill.”
“You were a good son.”
“I could have
