On the town with Butterflies and Butterbeans

They are almost to the cabin when Alex stops at the old General store. The place smells of antique wood and bubblegum as they enter. Butterbeans takes the lead and eagerly samples all the strange scents left behind by other visitors. There are only a few.

As they make their way around the small shop Alex can’t help but notice the absence of people. It wasn’t that it was deserted. (There were some customers in the old store.) It was more that it wasn’t as overcrowded, as it usually was, at this time of year.

Butterbeans has found an interest in something and trots further into the store as Alex looks around. They come here every year for their vacation because it is such a peaceful place. The closeness they feel to nature here, is healthy for both of them. Likewise they get a break from all the pressure of their work.

On the town with Butterflies and butterbeans

Alex thinks about their most recent encounter, deep below ground in level 113. Things nearly ended in disaster. Therefore, they are due some down time. As he nears the deli counter, in the small country store, he sees a small display near the back. Additionally, he sees this is where Butterbeans has focused her investigations.

Alex decides to wait on the deli counter order and joins Butterbeans at the back of the store. She has found an old Butterfly display and is examining it with intense scrutiny. This strikes Alex as a little strange because the display is a regular fixture in the store. It has been here since Butterbeans was a pup.

On the town with Butterflies and Butterbeans

However, today it was getting the sniff down and re-examination. Alex wonders what Butterbeans is learning as she examines the display, then the area around the display. He dismisses this as curiosity over a strange scent. But later, he thinks it was more than that. As for now they must complete their errands, and get to the cabin before dark.

Later that same evening, as they arrive at the cabin, Alex is certain he has never seen a more beautiful sunset. Furthermore, he can sense Butterbeans excitement, and eagerness, to get busy exploring. Alex opens the doors of the jeep and Butterbeans immediately takes off to explore.

Butterflies

The cabin is nestled in the woods at the foot of a natural ridge line. It is far enough away from civilization to still be considered, in the wilderness. However, that is what gives it appeal, as far as Alex is concerned. Butterbeans returns with a very excited gait, as Alex unlocks the cabin, and opens the door.

The scent of dust and pine gives the air a stale, but pleasant quality, as the last of the day’s sunshine illuminates the main room. Butterbeans runs straight into the room, tail wagging and eager. Alex follows but stops short just inside the door. Butterbeans is exploring again, but not anything new. She is examining the Butterfly display from the country store, which is now in the main room of their cabin.