Dear Reader

I crossed the bridge into Arklay yesterday evening just before full dark. My first greeting was a sign rigged up near the bridges end announcing Food, shelter, a hospital. Was it too good to be true? Apparently not. Unlike a good many false hopes this one seems the most promising to be a true one.

I have a tentative hope. Not a blind one … but in spite of all other doubts and fears that have become so deeply ingrained, I cannot stop hoping.

People I have met thus far:

A man named Ellis. This fellow came stumbling up shortly after I stepped out of the clinic to consider my options. Seems he had some sort of tangle with something or other and needed a hand. So I gave it … which led to my meeting Nurse Nana who helped me in the food and shelter department.

A freaking real bed. Beats my tarp and blanket any day.

Xero is the other person I met. Besides the guards at the clinic. Seems I am not the only one still out there searching for a place to call home. We shared a meal together and chatted. After nearly a month since my last lengthy human conversation it was refreshing.

The night passed uneventfully. And I didn’t have to fight my way out of some trap come morning. So … I am optimistic. Now to find a place to stow my gear, and then … I have some exploring to do it seems.