Part 11

There is a cabin by the side of the road.

If you drive by you will not see it,

the road is narrow there, and you need to keep your eyes ahead.

If you bike by it. You will miss it.

Its just after the top of the hill.

After that long ride, you are just beginning to shift gears to enjoy that long down hill.

If you come from the other side, you are tired after that long climb

and you’re also full from the cake at the internet cafe, you surely stopped at,

at the bottom of the hill.

So either way, you won’t see it.

The only way to see it, is to walk by it.

Its a long walk, and you have to climb up that hill.

Even then you may be tired, or distracted by your electronics.

Even then you might walk by and never look to the side.

Its not a great shame, even then, because you will continue on with your life as it has been.

However, if you climb that hill, and see the cottage.

Go through the gate.

Duck under that branch, but be sure not to touch it.

Knock once at the cottage door, but don’t go in.

Go around the back behind the cottage.

There you will find a very large cat.

Don’t answer her first question.

Answer yes to the second question, but don’t, whatever you do, drink the tea.

When she offers you a chance to go through the back gate.

Trade her that thimble you have been carrying for the key.

You did remember the thimble, correct?

If not a bit of ear wax, might suffice.

Now open the gate, with the key

Now go up that path into the woods.

And after that,

Well,…

after that, of course,

your life will never be the same again

© Dan DeMarle – photo taken by Dan DeMarle 2015