When Hugh Mathews decides it's time to get out from under his tyrannical father's thumb and away from the life he's been living, he does it in a big way. Packing what he'll need to survive in the wilderness, and with only his dog, Orion, for companionship, he heads into the mountains. When they find a abandoned cabin, Hugh begins the arduous task of repairing it, as well as hunting for food and everything else they'll need to stay alive.<br><br>Soon after, Ansel Jeffries, a nature photographer, arrives at Hugh's cabin, seeking an abandoned mine he wants to photograph. After talking with him, Ansel sees the potential for a story in what Hugh is doing -- and why.<br><br>Ansel convinces Hugh to let him tell it, meaning he'll be living at the cabin with Hugh. When he moves in, will what becomes friendship between the two men grow into more?

Off the Beaten Path

“I’m sure he’ll bark like crazy. Dogs do.” Ansel got a few napkins before opening the door.


“We’re going with you,” Hugh stated.


“It’s probably long gone by now.”


They made it to the privy and back with no more bear sighting, much to Hugh’s relief. Orion didn’t bristle, bark, or otherwise react to anything, so the men figured the bear was well gone by then. “But we still won’t let our guard down for a while.”


“Forever,” Hugh muttered, getting a commiserating hug from Ansel. That’s twice, today. Is he just being friendly, or what? He figured he’d find out in time. Until then, he wouldn’t press the issue. Not that it is an issue. As he’s said, or implied, if something does develop between us, more than friendship, what harm is there?


Chapter 28