First Light

The world is still gray with pre-dawn light when you meet at the edge of town. Everyone showed up – you weren’t sure they would, but here you all are, backpacks loaded, determination mixed with nervous excitement on every face.

“Last chance to back out,” you whisper, though you hope no one takes the offer.

“Are you kidding?” Tom grins. “I’ve been awake since four o’clock. Let’s do this thing.”

The first few miles are through familiar territory – the outskirts of Millfield, past the quarry where you sometimes swim, along the old access road that leads to the railway tracks. But as the sun rises higher and the town disappears behind you, everything starts to feel different.

You’re really doing this. You’re really going to find Danny Morrison.

“Look,” Gary points ahead. “The railway bridge. Once we cross that, we’re in unknown territory.”

The bridge spans a deep gorge, and walking across it on foot will require carefully stepping from tie to tie. It’s not dangerous if you’re careful, but it’s definitely not something your parents would approve of.