THE ROAD NOT TAKEN

CHAPTER 3

by Tunnel Writer

Devin packed his battered knapsack with supplies and followed Vincent through the tunnels.

“Vincent, what does anyone know about this woman we’re visiting?” he asked as he hiked his knapsack higher up over his shoulder.

“Other than that her name is Narcissa? Just that she has wisdom that many don’t understand,” Vincent explained as they left the community border.

Devin paused and gave Vincent a quizzical look. “What do you mean by others don’t understand her wisdom?”

Vincent stopped, looked at Devin, let out a soft sigh, and continued to walk.

“Narcissa is a mystery. No one knows when she arrived in the tunnels, or where she’s from. Father and I believe she’s Haitian, and some rumors make her out to be nothing more than a voodoo witch doctor, while others think she’s just a crazy woman. Many children involve her in their scary stories…like we did when we were young.” Vincent gave Devin a hint of a smile before continuing. “She speaks in riddles. They are difficult to understand at first, but they always hold truth. That is, if you can piece them together.”

“So…even if we talk to her, we may not understand what she’s trying to say? Got it,” Devin mumbled as his brows furrowed. “This is gonna be fun,” he whispered sarcastically under his breath.

Devin looked around as they continued walking. “I’ve never been this far into the tunnels. Are you sure you know where she lives?”

“Yes, I know where she normally stays, but she does wander about. Some of the others and I have kept a close eye on her these last few years. We’ve even offered to move her closer to the border, but she won’t have it. She prefers solitude. We believe it’s because she doesn’t feel comfortable around people. Many don’t understand or are frightened by her ways.”

“But you’re not?”

Vincent stopped suddenly and spun to face Devin. “Of course not. We understand each other.” He continued to walk as he added, “We respect each other. She’s a friend. Otherwise, we would not be making this journey. If anyone knows what’s happening, she will.”

  * * *

“Bonjou, Vincent. Come in, and bring your friend. Koman ou ye?” A voice rang out.

Devin froze. “How did she know we’re here?”

Vincent smiled. “She has excellent hearing.” To the woman he said, “Hello, Narcissa. I am well. I’d like you to meet Devin, and I brought you some fruit.”

“Ah…welcome, Devin,” she said while looking at him with her blinded eyes. She lifted a strawberry out of a cloth that Vincent held out to her. “Frez ak sitwon. Map manje yo pou manje maten. Mèsi, Vincent,” she said as she put the fruit away in a basket.

“Ou byen akeyi. You’re welcome, Narcissa,” Vincent replied.

Devin looked at them, completely confused. “I’m sorry. I don’t understand.”

Narcissa chuckled. “Ah. The language of my land. Most don’t know. Ahh, but Vincent. He knows. I was just thanking Vincent for the strawberries and limes. I will eat them for breakfast. But Vincent, you didn’t come all this way to bring food to an old lady.”

Before Vincent could speak, Narcissa let out a gasp and pointed to Devin. “You are being warned. The man is warning you. You’re in danger.”

“What man?” Devin asked, now becoming fearful.

“Heed his warning, my children. He will help keep everyone safe. It will be very dangerous. You must work fast. The man, he will help you.”

Devin spun on her angrily and asked again, “Who is this man? I haven’t been visited by anyone, and what danger?”

“The man who walks between the worlds. Alive. Dead.”

Narcissa turned toward Vincent, and with sadness in her voice she continued.

“Vincent, you must stop the danger, or we are all doomed.”