The tracks, long since abandoned, stretched to the vanishing point on the horizon. Devin braced himself to disappear from another community, taking only his hiking pack, tent and enough food to get him to the next town. Following the abandoned steel rails, he felt an affinity with those who went before. Of course, they rode the rails, while he walked them, but the connection with history invigorated him.  Although eager to continue his journey, he stopped, and for the first time in two years looked back. Every other time, he looked only forward, setting one foot in front of the other without any regrets or second thoughts. Not this time. 

Only a soft golden glow escaped the mist surrounding the town of Crimson Lake.  Even now, the lights called to him, but he knew there was nothing left for him. He anticipated staying longer.  He usually did. Most stays lasted a few weeks, some even a couple of months before the restlessness pervaded his soul and compelled him to pack and go. Of course, sometimes his behaviour forced the move like now.  With a sigh, he knew he could not go back.  He wanted to. He wanted to find Caitlyn and explain. He wanted to apologize, but none of his explanations could excuse his attitude. Best to let it go and move on. Devin vowed to reimburse her as soon as he earned the money. He believed in paying his debts and he owed her that courtesy. Devin sighed. He owed her so much more. 

The light faded. Twilight cast shadows across the track. Devin knew he only had a few hours before needing to make camp and he wanted to be long gone from the area.  Yet, he could not drag his eyes away from glow on the horizon. Doubts crept through his brain. Should he go? Of course. Could he go? He must. Shrugging out of the backpack, he dropped it on the ground. What if I stay? Would that be such a crime? Yes. Maybe. I don’t know. Maybe it was time to stop running. Whatever demons forced him to move on, never planting roots seemed to be waning, their grip on him loosening. 

No, this was not right. He would start to care. Who am I kidding? I already care.  A breeze, in the otherwise still night, brushed past him. It carried a hint of her scent, and the gentle sound of the words, ‘go back’. That did it. The sound and the scent decided him. The right choice obvious, Devin shouldered his bag. Determination fueled his resolve. He turned his back on the glow and walked down the dark track.