Prerecorded Response

Bighorn Basin - Wyoming

Perrine actively listened, giving her his undivided attention. He’s been told he was a great conversationalist; however, that was probably because most people just like talking about themselves and he just listens. The fact that Luna was actually steering the wagon, and not him, enabled him to turn his whole body to face her from his seated position.

For someone that chooses his words carefully before speaking, he made particular note that Sophia took the extra time and energy to go into a bit more detail orbiting about her father, as opposed to her mother, the farm, or Honey. He wasn’t so quick to assume she was resentful of her dad; however, it was definitely a possibility. He wondered silently if she carried unresolved trauma regarding her father. He also wondered if her current actions were being guided by past baggage.

As Sophia returned a volley of questions back at him. Perrine smiled and picked up his journal. He turned to a page and motioned for her to take it from him as he extended it down to her. Apparently he had dealt with such questions on numerous occasions, to a point he had a pre written response in the journal. Sophia would be able to read the writing in thanks to the lantern light.

<Hi. I am Perrine Shoshone. I was at the University of Idaho, studying computer science, when the Rupture happened. Needless to say, that chapter of my life ended and a new unexpected one began. When my mutation manifested itself I discovered I can relate and communicate to all manner of animal; however, lost the ability to speak as humans do. I’ve been working hard to relearn how to talk, but you’ve probably learned by now I have a ways to go. I know how to talk, it’s just my vocal cords default to animal sounds and I must really try to alter that course. Anywho, let me know if there is anything you need or I can assist in getting for you.>

In addition, while he waited, Perrine yipped and whimpered at Honey, who responded similarly. Perrine was getting the wolf’s account. He had discovered that animals don’t lie; it had proven helpful countless times in the past when dealing with individuals and groups. It seemed everything checked out. He even laughed, which sounded like a hyaena, from something that the wolf must had said.

His tired eyes glanced up towards the darkness when Whisp came to land by his side. There was a very faint light up ahead. As they neared it gave way to the silhouette of their destination. John’s house out in the middle of nowhere. It wouldn’t be long now before he could park, stretch his long legs, unload and get some rest. He wondered if Sophia would continue onward or also use the place for a reprieve from travels.