Chapter Text
May 14th, 2017
The sky became different shades of violet, pink and orange as the sun went down. A soft breeze swayed through the Arizonan desert, carrying dust with it. No sound could be heard except for the eventual screechs of the birds of prey, getting ready to settle for the night. Such a peaceful scene, and yet, all I was really focusing on was the road that leads to a nearby city, as I awaited for Karen's return. But not just hers, also her sons', who I never thought I'd actually meet one day. But I guess you really can't predict the future.
I sighed, looking back at the work I had in hands: an unfinished pendant which, along with others, will become a necklace. I got my pliers and started looping the wire's end, finishing the star-themed pendant. "Now just three more to go…" I mumbled to myself as I picked up my wire cutter, cut another piece of wire and looped it with my pliers as I started crafting a new pendant. While doing so, I slightly zoned off, reminiscing about the events that led to my current anticipation.
Almost seven months ago, Karen and David went to the city for weekly supplies, like they always did. But when they came back, Karen looked like she saw a ghost — pale, teary-eyed and moping. David also didn't look his best; although he wasn't Away's most cheerful folk, anyone could tell that something had happened for him to look more solemn and stern than usual. As I went to grab my groceries, I quickly took notice of their atypical moods, but Joan was swifter to speak, asking Karen what had happened while putting her hands on the other woman's shoulders and holding a worried face. At this, Karen broke down — started to cry on Joan's neck, who at that rate had taken her in a hug.
Now that was something. At least to me. I've known Karen for quite a while — if almost two years is something to go by —, and during all this time, I never saw her so upset, to the point of shedding tears. Of course I've seen her sad, everyone gets sad at times, but that? That was beyond sad. She was heart-broken.
I couldn't help but feel sympathetic for her, even if I still didn't knew what the hell had happened. While rubbing her back, I looked up at David and asked him what made her that way. He told me that while they were in a mini-market, a TV was on, tuned to a news channel, when suddenly the anchor started delivering news from Seattle. The news was that a 45 year-old man had been shot and killed in South Seattle, while a cop had also died in the same area under mysterious circumstances. Besides, the man's two sons, a 17 year-old and a 9 year-old, were both missing and suspected of the cop's murder. Turns out the man was Esteban Diaz, Karen's ex-husband, meaning that his sons were also hers: Sean and Daniel. I quietly gasped at that and immediately looked back at Karen, who was now wiping off her tears while Joan stroked her arm comfortingly. Then, I carefully pulled her in a hug, saying how sorry I was for her. Even if we weren't incredibly close, it didn't matter at that moment, not when she was right there, sobbing on my shoulder, allowing herself to be fragile for once in god knows how long. Eventually, others came too, to give Karen some comforting words and gestures.
I frown remembering that day. I never thought I'd see Karen so vulnerable. I bet no one in Away did. Days later, she saw on her computer that the boys had been spotted in a gas station near Mount Rainier National Park on Halloween, and that now they were also wanted for assault and robbery. She was so confused at the news but seemed totally sure that her sons were innocent and victims of a bigoted system — in her own words. So, she decided to make a bold move: she sent a letter to her parents, asking them to help her sons if they went to them. From what Joan told me, Karen hadn't contacted her parents since she left her old life behind — that's almost a decade. So it definitely took a lot in her to do that, even if it seemed like something simple to most people, contacting your family.
'More two and I'm done here.' I thought as I finished another pendant, also star-themed, but smaller. I took another piece of wire and started my work, going back to where I stopped my train of thoughts.
After the boys were spotted at that gas station, they disappeared. Months went by and not a single piece of news about their whereabouts. That surely made Karen anxious, not knowing where they were, who they were with, if they were still together… But at the same time, she felt slightly relieved: Sean and Daniel not being on the news meant that they were managing to hide from the police. At least, that's what Karen hoped. And that was indeed the case, for a while.
November. December. January. February. March. 5 months and no updates. But then, came early April, when Karen, once again, came back from the city with a peculiar aura. This time, she went to check on her P.O. box, and found out she had received a letter from a man named Jacob. In the said letter, the man said he worked with Sean and Daniel on a farm in California, but something happened and Sean went missing, but Daniel was with him in Haven Point, Nevada. Jacob also stated that Daniel was in danger and needed help to get out of that place. Karen barely thought about it; when she came back to Away, she had already decided she was going to Nevada to rescue Daniel. About Sean, well, she obviously didn't knew where he was, but she planned on finding him, too. Karen prepared herself in less than a week, grabbing only what was most necessary for a trip she didn't knew how long she would be on: clothes, money, hygiene stuff, and some other things. I even tried to lend her an old tablet I had, so she could have some sort of technology while on the road. At first she refused it, saying that her phone was enough "technology" she needed.
I scoffed at this. "That old thing? With all due respect Karen, but that shit is prehistoric!" I said to her, which made Joan and Arthur laugh, while Stanley chuckled and David shook his head and half-smiled. We were sitting by the table just outside Karen's trailer, helping her prepare for her journey, making a list of the essentials. I spoke again, slightly altered. "You need some real technology, seriously! My tablet is old but it still works for basic browsing and stuff. Plus, you don't know a thing about Haven Point, none of us does!" I breathed slowly, recomposing myself, before continuing. "I would suggest you do some research before going, but I know that's not the best choice right now, so you should at least do it while taking breaks from driving! Come on, what will you even do when you get there? Hell, where even is 'there'?" I finished, crossing my arms and leaning back on my chair. Karen seemed at a loss for words, looking at me like she was really pondering on what I said, so I took it as a win. I smirked before she spoke. "I appreciate you wanting to help me Y/n, but it's really not necessary. I don't need your tablet to get to Haven Point, I can just use a map. Really." She said, and my smirk instantly faded. "And my phone is not prehistoric just because it's older than you." She finished, and it was her turn to smirk and lean back. Now all of them were laughing, even David! I tried to argue — ignoring the laughter — but Karen cut me off, so I gave up, not wanting to start an argument.
In the end, I slipped the tablet with a small note on it into Karen's bag while Arthur and Stanley distracted her. 'I wonder if she ended up using it or if she threw it through the car's window while driving.' I quietly chuckled, imagining the scenario.
After 3 days of preparation, Karen started her road trip to Nevada, more than a month ago. We only heard from her two times: when she made it to Haven Point, a few days after starting her trip; and two days ago, when she delivered us the good news. It had just gotten dark when Karen called David and updated us on the situation: she had successfully rescued Daniel from Haven Point, which she referred to as a "religious cult" with a "psycho for a leader". And she had rescued her youngest son with the help of none other than her oldest son, Sean, who also went to Haven Point to look for Daniel. Now, the three of them were making their way to Away so the brothers could have some weeks of rest after going through so much shit. She said it wouldn't take them more than two days to get here, since now she knew the way. Hence, here I am, sitting outside my caravan, working while I wait for their arrival.
"Now for the final blow." I mumbled to myself again, sounding half enthusiastic, now that I finished a pearl pendant. I took a look at the road. Nothing. I sighed. Back to work it is. I grabbed yet another piece of wire and started working, trying to focus on what I was doing this time. Looping the wire's end, placing the new pearl bead on it… But I can't help it, my mind won't stop buzzing.
At any time, they will be here. The three of them. And for some reason, I have this weird feeling in my stomach, like there's a pit in it. What the hell is this? Anxiety? Maybe. But why am I so damn anxious? Because I'll meet new people? It could be. But social interactions never made me nervous in the past, so why now? Because I'll meet someone my age? I guess so? I mean, it's been quite a while since I talked to another teenager outside of the internet, so it might make sense. Maybe I'm subconsciously afraid that my social skills with teens are rusty after months of no use?
Suddenly, a high-pitched screech brought me back to the real world as I startled and looked up. 'Fucking bird…' I thought, shifting my gaze back at my hands, realizing I had stopped working on the pendant while lost in thoughts. I placed my tools on the table to take a moment to calm myself down. 'Breathe in, breathe out.' I thought as I did so. After relaxing, I grabbed my tools and got back to work. 'Jeez Y/n, chill out! It's just a teenager, stop worrying so much.' I thought. Right, it's not a big deal. My nervousness is probably due to the singular circumstances in which we're meeting.
Of course, I know Karen's story. She was frustrated with how her life had turned out and wanted to find herself again. So she left it all behind and went on a self-discovery journey that made her end up here, in Away. But the thing is, that "all" she left behind did include two kids, an almost 8 year-old and a toddler. I was really taken aback when she told me that. Before that point in the story, I could totally understand Karen. She felt pressured by society's standards of what a woman should be and do, and decided to escape that, leaving all she knew behind to go and look for her own truth. That's pretty much what I did too, except that my getaway was also motivated by freeing myself from my shitty parents, not exactly Karen's case.
So yeah, I could see her reasoning. But when she mentioned her husband, her kids, combined with how careless she sounded, I stopped in my tracks. How could she do that? Abandoning a husband and two kids? Three people who depended on her? I tried my best not to sound judgemental while asking her how. She answered that it was the hardest choice she ever made, and that she almost decided to stay, for her kids' sake, but in the end, she prioritized her happiness. Then, I became quiet, my mind going back and forth with many thoughts. 'Irresponsible' was the first of them. Yes, it seemed really irresponsible to do what she did. And selfish. I could understand if she kept in contact, but she simply vanished from their lives. Not a single letter was sent; they had no clue of her whereabouts. How could she sound so peaceful with that in mind? I couldn't help but also think: would I have the guts to do what she did? Leave behind my two children and never contact them again? Letting them think I hated them, when it was not the case? On the other hand, would I be so altruistic as to give up my life and happiness for the sake of others? Just because these "others" were my kids?
I wanted to say something to Karen, anything, but I didn't want to sound like a hypocrite. It was hard. Eventually, Karen decided to speak, asking me what I would have done in her place. I thought for a few moments before answering that I would've tried to conciliate both my happiness and my duties as a mother. Then, she asked: "What if you didn't feel like being a mother was your job?" I said I would've still tried, because wanting or not, the kids were my responsibility. "Even if it meant being a part-time shitty mother, whom your kids would probably hate for not being around all the time?" She got me there, I hadn't thought of it. After a moment, Karen sighed and said it was okay that I didn't have an answer, as the question was too far from my reality. She also said she didn't believe there was a point thinking of the what if's anyway, as no one could change the past, so she just tried to live at peace with her "mistakes and fuck-ups". After a moment of calm, I asked her what she would say to her sons if she had the chance. Considering what she had told me before, I thought she would shrug it off, or say she wouldn't say anything, but she really seemed to think about it. In the end, she avoided the question: "We are pretty similar, you know? The difference is that you had the guts to run away before your situation got too complicated." There, our convo was over.
Complicated. That's a good word to describe their situation. I wonder how Karen is feeling right now, driving to Away with her sons. Man, she couldn't even answer me about what she would say to them if she could. But at this rate, they most likely talked already, I wonder how it went. I bet it's not easy for Sean and Daniel too; they haven't seen their mother in years and suddenly she's back in their lives, taking them to her place, in the middle of a desert. Not the most usual reencounter, but I guess nothing about what they've been through is usual. And they're so young too, they shouldn't have been through so much shit already. Gosh, I sound like an old lady even though I'm as old as Sean — at least according to Karen.
"Finally!" I exclaimed as I managed to finish the last pearl pendant. With all of them ready, now I only had to join the loops, creating a chain, and then add a jump ring to one end of the chain and a lobster clasp to the other. I started doing so with help from my pliers, and after a while, I finished the necklace. I smiled, handling the finished jewelry before holding it a few inches away from my face, taking a good look at it. The necklace was decorated with pearl and star pendants, it also had a bigger, light blue moon pendant in the center. The piece was exactly like the client requested, which made me feel pretty proud of myself. I put away the necklace on the table, alongside two similar bracelets I had finished earlier. Now the sun was completely gone and the stars could be seen, but still no sign of Karen and her sons. I sighed, looking back at the stars above me. I gazed at them for a while, relishing in the peace the night sky always gave me. The stars seemed extra shiny tonight, I could look at them forever…
"Such a beautiful night, right?" I heard a nearby voice say, already knowing who it belonged to.
"Hey there, Joan." I greeted her as she took the seat next to me. "Yeah, the stars are so pretty tonight, so shiny."
"Indeed. Nature's such a grace; that's one of the reasons I love Away so much: you're surrounded by natural beauties." She sounded content, but I happened to look at her and saw she had a sour expression on. Figures. I frowned a little, looking back at the sky.
"You're worried about Karen, right?" I asked.
"Aren't we all?" She replied after sighing. "It's getting late and they're still not here… I just hope nothing serious happened." She finished and I shifted my gaze forward, seeing Arthur and Stanley sitting outside their house and chatting, also waiting for the trio.
"Me too… But Nevada isn't just around the corner. Karen might have just… underestimated the distance, I'm sure they'll be here soon."
"Yeah, you're probably right Y/n, but I can't help but worry…" She sighed again and I could feel her gaze on me for a moment. "I'm sure it's the same for you."
"You're right… I keep thinking about them, their… situation. Though it's not even my business. Shit." I admitted, feeling a little stupid now that I think about it: I'm worrying so much about something that has nothing to do with me, letting it affect me, and I don't even know the whole story, the other point of view.
Joan chuckled. "You're so sweet, N/n. Seriously. Karen would be happy that you're so worried about her and her kids."
"I wouldn't be so sure… What if she just thinks I'm butting in? Or…"
"Oh please girl, she won't! Trust me, ok?" She cut me off, laughing. "Karen likes you, thought you knew."
"I do, Jo…" I replied, smiling.
"See? No reason to overthink it all, dear. That's your flaw."
"I guess so." I chuckled. "Thanks Joan, I'm feeling better now."
"But still worried?"
"Obviously, but I'll relax once they arrive."
"Same, so for now let's talk about something else, 'kay?" She suggested and I nodded. "Well… That's a beautiful necklace you got there." She continued, pointing her chin to the jewelry I made earlier. "And look at these bracelets too! Commision?"
"Yeah, it is. Man, I worked the whole afternoon on these, I'm beat." I replied, exaggerating an exhausted voice.
"Whoa! I didn't know it took so long to make these."
"It kinda does, but I spent most of the time just thinking about the layout instead of actually working, so there's that."
"Well, it does seem like it was worth it! They turned out great, Y/n. I bet the client will love them." Joan spoke, nudging my arm with her elbow.
"Thanks, Jo…" I replied, smiling at the ground.
"Will you quit your job if this online business grows?"
"Hell no!" I jokingly exclaimed, looking back at her. "I told you it's just a gig, for extra money. Writing is still my passion."
"Yes, yes, I know, apologies." She replied, laughing.
"By the way, how's your new project going?"
"Nowhere. I got… what's it called… artist's block? Yeah, I got that."
"That sucks, Joan… Wish I could help."
"No worries, it happens you know? I'm sure it will be over soon, especially after I get buzzed." She said and I snorted.
"Buzzed, yeah, more like stoned. Don't think I forgot about last time." I smirked, making Joan giggle.
"Gosh, I smoked an extra joint one time and now I'm the stoner?" She said sarcastically. Then, she looked at me, feigning accusation. "We know who the real pothead here is, Y/n."
I faked a hurt expression, holding back a laugh. "And what are you looking at me for? As far as I remember, I'm not the one who wanted to turn Away into a pot farm."
Joan cackled and so did I. She tried to argue but couldn't form a single phrase, so she gave up. Eventually, we both calmed down and went back to talking about other stuff: my last report, about a child painter, an offer made on one of Joan's old sculptures, that she's not sure if she should sell, and other trivial things. An hour and a half had passed, Karen still hadn't come back, so Joan decided to go back to her RV and organize some of her art supplies. I took the opportunity to store back my tools and the jewelry in my caravan, taking a shower after finishing. Later, I went to the far end of my caravan and flopped onto my bed, laying there in silence for a few moments, until I heard emerging engine noises. 'Holy shit.' I thought, getting out of my bed and going to a nearby window. I spotted Karen's truck pulling over to her trailer, herself leaving, and then her sons. I rushed to my door, but as I opened it, Karen was already motioning the boys inside her trailer, but I still got a glimpse of them, amid the darkness of the night.
I first noticed Daniel, who — surprisingly — was dressed in quite formal clothes, especially for a 10 year-old, and he also had a bowl-cut. I presumed it was the cult leader's doing, poor Daniel, that cut needs to go. I couldn't see his face so well, but I could tell by his body language that he was tired, which didn't surprise me. What really surprised me was how receptive he was to Karen, even hugging her before getting into the trailer. It's a good sign, I guess; it might mean that he's quite an easygoing child.
Sean, on the other hand, was in a pretty bad shape: he had a buzz-cut, his face had a few bruises and he was wearing an eye patch, probably meaning his eye had the worst of his injuries. I could see him putting a hand over his covered eye like it hurt, and he even needed help from Daniel to get into the trailer. Like his brother, he also seemed tired, but way more than the little one. Man, I can't even imagine what he's been through, but it seemed like hell. He simply nodded to Karen before getting inside.
As they entered her trailer, I left mine and went to Karen, but not before David, Joan, Arthur and Stanley did, hugging the woman, as they approached her. I did the same as I got close to them.
"Karen…" I almost whispered while giving her a quick hug. She said a simple 'hey'. "Fuck, you look exhausted." I said after pulling back, getting a better look at her face.
"I am." She didn't bother to fake a smile and just sighed heavily, running one of her hands through her hair while the other rested on her waist.
"Well, and… how did everything go? With them?" Arthur questioned, nudging his head at Karen's trailer. He was hugging Stanley's shoulder, who in return hugged his waist. They were by Karen's right size, while Joan was on her left size. I was in between the couple and David, as the latter took the spot next to Joan.
"Honestly, better than I thought. They both listened to what I had to say. Daniel seemed very happy after we finished talking, but Sean, he…" She made a pause, looking back at the trailer for a moment. "...I can tell he still resents me. And I don't blame him, I just hope we can all move on, soon. But I do know it won't be easy." She finished, looking back at us.
"It definitely won't K, but you're already taking the initiative to make it up for him, saving his and his brother's asses from Nevada." Stanley said to Karen, reassuringly. "I'm sure Sean will see that you're trying."
"Thank you, Stanley." Karen replied with a faint smile.
"By the way… What happened to him?" I asked her, carefully.
"Right, I was thinking the same." Joan spoke while David made a curt nod.
Karen scrunched her face. "That's… a long story. But no need to worry, we already took care of the bruises. He'll be better in some days."
"What about his eye?" I asked again.
"It's… gone." Karen answered, defeated, which left all of us shocked.
"My goodness… Poor kid." David said with a serious expression.
"Yeah, that's so damn horrible." Arthur said, sounding worried, while Stanley nodded sadly.
"Shit, Karen…" Joan spoke softly while hugging her again.
All I did was look down, thoughtfully. Seems like hell was an understatement for what he went through, and my suspicion about his eye was right too, shit. I can't even imagine how he's feeling right now, what's going on in his mind. Hopefully he at least felt some relief, now that he was somewhere safe. I looked up again, facing Karen's trailer and, unexpectedly, I saw something — or rather, someone — peeking through the window. As soon as we made eye contact, the person darted away from my sight, but I could still tell, from his small frame, that it was Daniel. 'Funny.' I thought, with a short chuckle.
"I should get inside now; help the boys settle down and go to sleep, and then get some myself, I really need it." Karen said after pulling away from Joan's embrace. We all agreed and told her goodnight. After she went inside, the rest of us said our goodbyes and parted ways. Arthur and Stanley went to their house and David went to his caravan, while me and Joan made our way back to our places together.
"So, how are you feeling now?" Joan asked while we walked.
"Much better." I answered with a smile. "I suppose it's the same for you?"
"Oh, definitely! Of course, now there's some tension in the air, but I'm sure everything will work out."
"Agreed." I said as we stopped walking and I yawned. "Well, I better go to bed now, sleep is finally washing over me." I finished, rubbing my neck tiredly.
"Don't let me stop you, then! Sleep tight, Y/n." Joan said.
"You too, Jo!" I replied. We both waved to each other as we walked to our homes.
After getting inside my caravan, I just changed into my sleeping attire and got onto my bed; the weariness wouldn't allow me to do anything else. But as soon as I laid there, it's like I got slightly more awake, thinking about the boys again. I can't help but wonder what they're like, if they'll like it here. Especially Sean. I wonder how similar we are, being the same age, or if we'll be able to be friends. I hope so, I have a good feeling about him, for some reason. I shook my head, trying to stop my thoughts before I started overthinking again. It worked, and soon, I started to feel myself falling into a deep slumber.