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Chapter Four: Nan

I learned a lot about Nan and the community during breakfast. Halfway through Nan had apologized for never asking me what my name was. For a moment I had begun to say it was Isabella, but then remembered I needed to go by Savannah.

After telling me how beautiful my name was Nan had told me her real name was Hilda, but everyone called her Nan because she has helped look after and even raise many of the children in the community. Therefore, she considers almost everyone to be her "grandchild", as she never had children of her own to give her grandbabies. Nan lost her husband forty-five years ago when she was only twenty-five years old. I had asked why she had never remarried and she had said for her to even think of another man was too painful. She had been blessed with one epic love and that was all she could ever need.

I had wondered what it must be like to love someone so intensely that even once they have passed on you remain theirs and only theirs forever; a love like that is a beautiful and terrifying thing.

After a thoughtful silence, I began to feel a little uncomfortable and concerned that I may have upset her by bringing the topic up. So, I asked her to tell me a bit more about the community. This seemed to excite Nan greatly as she went on to explain how there were approximately two-thousand residents in Clear Water. A large majority of the residents chose to live twenty minutes outside of town and along the base of the mountain.

"We like our privacy and enjoy the tranquillity nature brings" Nan had explained.

I found it slightly odd that so many individuals chose to live outside of the town and in a sort of gated community, but I pushed the thought aside.

I had asked where a good place to apply for jobs might be and she had offered me a position at the diner, I would have to start by washing dishes like everyone else had but I could quickly work my way up if I wanted.

I had decided to accept, partially because I didn't have a resume made up or any references — which would probably make applying for jobs very difficult.

She agreed that I could work four nights a week and pick up more shifts if I wanted. Originally, she only wanted me to work two because she didn't want it interfering with school. I reassured her that I would be able to stay on top of my school work, so it became official, I would start Tuesday afternoon.

What I appreciated most about Nan is that she never tried to pry information out of me. She never once asked why I had been staying at the motel or where my parents were. She seemed to respect that I wasn't comfortable talking about myself, and instead cheerfully shared her love for her small community.
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Nan and I had parted ways not too long ago with the promise of me showing up for work on Tuesday at four o'clock.

Now, all I had to do was kill time until Monday morning when school started. I figured I may as well spend the next few days exploring and familiarizing myself with the town. After all, I couldn't stay in the motel forever and would need to find a cheap apartment to rent or a private place to park my car at night.

Since I was pretty certain I wouldn't be able to survive another second of driving I decided to walk.

It was a beautiful sunny day and my favorite time of the year. I love watching the leaves change color and the feeling of the cool air on my face. So with no particular destination in mind, I set out.

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