{Moss Legacy} Chapter 6 | Brydie
I awoke cold, soggy, achy and disoriented with a face peering down at me. Fear gripped me as I sat bolt upright and scooted to the far end of the bench. As far away from the stranger as possible, clutching my knees to my chest.
His dark beard hid his mouth but his eyes were kind and soft as he gently lowered himself to sit at the opposite end, “Hi,” he murmured, “I’m here to help.”
Giving me his jacket, he introduced himself as Tad, a local constable who had been called to investigate a suspicious fire. On his way back to the station, he had seen me asleep on the bench.
Tad sat patiently, giving me the space and time to figure out why I was there in the first place and then talk it out if I wanted to. Apparently, I did, spewing every little detail of a sad story of unrequited ‘love’ and a man I had barely met.
"Sorry. This is so ridiculous.” My cheeks heated as I realised how stupid I seemed.“Let's get you home.” Tad said, helping me up before adding, “Matters of the heart are never stupid.”
His calm, confident and caring manner helped me feel less alone and silly as we headed to my place. Once there, he made me a warm cup of coffee and gave me his details. “Working in the community means I know helpers, if you need someone let me know. I don’t want to find you cold and alone, having slept on a park bench again, alright?” Were his firm but kind words as he departed.
I headed to bed, sorry for myself but relieved to be home and warm. I slept the day away- I don’t think I moved at all, not a single toss or turn. I awoke to darkness, the little patch of sunlight I had fallen asleep in had cooled and disappeared.
Lying there, I let my mind wander, looking up at the ceiling. I replayed the morning in my head until I heard a creak. Heart pounding, I held my breath desperately trying to hear any other sound that might give me the relief that it was simply my caravan settling into the night. Closing my eyes and cocking my head, I willed my ears to hear better until I caught it, the gentle click of my door being opened.
Frozen and wide eyed I couldn’t catch a single thought. I had no idea what to do. Being alone had been my dream. All I’d ever wanted. But, I had never considered that meant I would face dangers without anyone else to deal with them. My dad had been a distant, uncaring man but he would have faced down an intruder, even if it was simply because he valued his possessions and money, I was protected by the mere fact that I happened to be under the same roof.
A footfall, much too close for comfort got me breathing and thinking again. Reaching for my phone with a shaking hand, I felt the rough face of Tad’s business card on my bedside table. Of course, I thought. I’d basically been handed the solution hours before.
Not wanting to draw any attention, I typed out a message asking for help before attempting to put Tad’s number in correctly. It took three times. I was so focused on getting the numbers right the last time that I almost let out a relieved cry. The woosh of the message being sent seemed way too loud, as I strained to hear what was happening.
Clinking, soft scuffling feet and some muttered words I couldn’t make out met me as I sat, waiting. Staring at my bedroom door, willing it to stay closed. Sending thought messages to whoever was beyond, that there was literally nothing but a bed, myself and a guitar in here. What if they want a guitar? my terrified thoughts chastised, Don’t think that at them. Just you and a bed. You and a bed.
Then, there was yells and a thud. “Police! You’re under arrest!” My visitor fought briefly before being led away in cuffs.
“Brydie?” came a knock at my bedroom door. “It’s Tad.” His voice was muffled.
I checked nothing was taken, joking that they’d chosen the wrong house if they wanted anything of value while Tad checked my locks and windows. My nerves were frayed and though I’d only woken recently, I was ready to fall back into darkness and forget the whole day.
And so I did.
Until next time,
dag dag x
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Moss Legacy | Brydie’s Story
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