You steadied your mind, it had been a hell of a day, and you needed rest, and time to reflect on the crazy developments of the day. Who knew one person could cause so much disruption to your plans? As you walked along the gently flowing stream, your mind began to wander, to think about the implications. Sure she knew some crazy animal was out here, but it seemed she had no intention of tearing apart the place looking for you. How considerate of her you smirk. You had worried often about an encounter with a human at this size, but it had entered your mind, For example, if you did try to sell shrinking to save the world, there would have to be at least a few normal sized humans left. For protection, transportation, etc. How would that dynamic work had clawed at your mind. The caretaker, for lack of a better word, would essentially be all powerful to the population they tended to. People didn't have a great track record with absolute power, you knew from history. This woman had proven in just a few short minutes how unstoppable she would be, her accidents could easily have been fatal to you. A whole new way of life awaited such a massive shift, but wasn't ending pollution, global warming, hunger, disease, overcrowding, and a laundry list of other ills worth giving away a little power. A little, you laugh, try completely. A hungry bird and an absentee caretaker could end a city. Was such a risk worth it? A part of you had been in awe of the woman, a part of you had actually been angered by that same power. There was a paper in here somewhere...
You proceeded up the slope, still concealed in the grass, the stream running much faster here. You paused, staring into the rushing water, a million thoughts going through your head. Maybe this whole thing had been some crazy endeavor. A mid life crisis that had pushed you into this insane place, not some higher ideals to save humanity. How could it be, when the first human you've seen in 4 months terrifies you to the point of flight. You slowly exit the grass forest, and look down the slope towards the town sized tent, the woman appears to be on the far side, crouched and studying something. You notice she glances back at the dirt circle she had made. Seems she can't get past seeing you. From this distance she seems almost normal, as if there is no difference between you. You reach your shelter, opening the metal hatch with a groan. Taking one last look at your new neighbor, you proceed into your shelter, slamming the door behind you.
A quick desuiting and wash later and you sit in your shorts and a t-shirt looking at your wall mounted tv screen sized phone. You had pulled up the cameras, noticing several showed only static, likely a result of the woman's careless crushing of the landscape. You felt a bit guilty, watching her through the remaining cameras, but you reasoned it was to better understand her habits and therefore stay safe. Sure, you could just remain in your shelter until she left, but you knew in the back of your head you weren't capable of such restraint. The woman was true to her word, checking the circle every hour on the hour, you saw her walk to the circle, you even faintly felt it through the earth in your home, humbling, however as the day goes on you notice her enthusiasm wane. She may even be questioning what she saw. You frown, you were the cause of this distress. Maybe you should reward her with an appearance. It's getting later in the afternoon, you usually didn't start adventures near nightfall, as that was asking to be gobbled up by some nocturnal predator. Still, you had a little time...you could make it, make contact, and see what happens then. No doubt, it would be valuable for your studies, and your curiosity. Still, you could end up in a jar on tomorrow's evening news, or worse. Were you crazy for even considering this?
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