Series One: Erick and Rhian

The sun was cresting over the horizon, and the light that peaked through the window caused Erick to squeeze his eyes closed. It was time to wake up. He loved that this was the reason he woke up in the morning. It was no longer the sounds of a blaring alarm triggering the start of yet another fast-paced anxiety-ridden day.

He rolled over on his back, stretching his arms as far as they would reach. A little groan escaped his mouth. He sat up and crossed the room. He threw on a plain white tee and a pair of well-worn jeans. Walking into the attached bathroom, he splashed some water on his face to wake up. The stubble on his strong jaw scratched his hand as they moved across his chin. He debated with himself as he brushed his teeth whether or not he should shave. Chuckling, he remembered that he was no longer a part of society where he needed to impress anyone with his appearance. A pair of rugged boots, work gloves, and coat were by the front door. Sitting on the entryway bench, he laced up his shoes and exited his cabin with a slap of his knees.

He began his chores with a big inhale of the crisp morning air. It had been almost a year since Erick moved out to his own slice of heaven. It was a 10-acre plot; it was made up of primarily of thick trees with just a little over an acre cleared for raising animals and gardening. The woods had a river running through it and a small pond. It was one of his favorite places. He had built a deck out into the water. The end was covered with a little roof and there was a bench where he could just sit and surround himself with the peace of nature.

He walked to the coop and fed the chickens collecting a handful of eggs as he went. Next, he checked the barn, pulling out a stool it was time to milk the cow. As he leaned against the cow, he called Martha massaging her udders to release her milk he reflected on his decision that brought him to this place. The events that had transpired over the past few months. What led him to hide out here, avoiding his destiny.

He had lived an extremely traumatic life. He was orphaned as a four-year-old boy when they were involved in a horrific car accident. He was the only one who survived and other than glimpses of memories of his parents he never knew them. The foster care system didn't treat him much better. Erick bounced around he wasn't a bad child but with the memories of the incident and losing his family for years he refused to speak. When he was eight, he was placed with a long-lost distant relative.

His Great Uncle Jack lived a solitary lifestyle in a cabin in the woods. Erick had adjusted well to living with the old man. Jack wasn't used to others, except his dog Patches. Patches was a mixed breed; his strong muscular body was built for running. The three of them would walk the forest. Jack often pointed out different plants, bushes, and trees. Describing what was useful and which ones were poisonous and should be avoided. Patches enjoyed taking off ahead only to return with his prey. He would happily come back and gently place the squirrel or rabbit at Jack's feet. Looking up at his owner with eager eyes waiting for the scratch on his head and the gruff, "Good boy."

During those two years, Erick began to open up and found his voice. He couldn't explain but being in the woods just felt like he was exactly where he was supposed to be. They were quite the trio and he always remembered this time as the happiest he'd ever been. Unfortunately, his world was about to be shattered. While they were in town one-day gathering supplies Jack suddenly grabbed his chest and fell to his knees. People gathered around quickly when they heard the cries of a young child pleading for his uncle to wake up. Once again Erick was left alone and forced back into the foster system.

By this time his age and history made him an undesirable placement. After a few failed attempts he ended up living in a group home. He didn't mind it all that much. When puberty hit, he was no longer a scrawny little boy. He developed and quickly by fifteen Erick was nearly six feet tall and unlike the others his age his muscles grew just as fast. Broad shoulders, strong chest, defined abs, biceps that strained against the sleeves of his shirt threatening to rip the seams. The boys left him alone intimidated by his size and aloofness.

With the typical teenage nonsense being of no interest to him, he focused on his education. The school was easy and studying was effortless. Without trying he was able to skip grades and by sixteen he was applying for colleges. He filed for emancipation and went off to a university in Virginia. A small school is known for its business program and proximity to the Appalachian Mountains. Similar to high school he excelled and before he knew it university was behind him. He graduated with top honors and a world of opportunities in front of him. He was offered a position in a Fortune 500 company and swiftly proved himself to be an invaluable member of the team. He was cunning and ruthless demanding excellence and accepting nothing less.

With his expertise and connections, he assisted in designing and creating a piece of technology that helped increase both the knowledge and computing speeds of AI. The money he made from the patented technology meant he would never need to worry about money again. Although, he loved the life that he led it was intensely demanding and left little time in his day for anything but work. He thrived on the pace and how little time it allowed him to dwell on the past. Always focused forward with the next meeting, presentation, phone call. That is until one night changed everything.