Evolution: The Next Step

By Charles O. Wing

This story captures the essence of a chance meeting that brings out a true love between a pair of senior citizens. You will find their male and female fears, curiosity hopes, and total trust between them. It also brings out friendships. They are also based on these things with friends and co-workers that make us al

• Language: English
• Publisher: Book Savvy International
• Release date: Jun 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798986437040

Charles O. Wing

Charles Wing have spent most of his life in the nursing field. It gave him an insight into how people react to situations that had been thrust on them. But his greatest influence came when he spent a great number of years in Ontario, Canada, and became involved with Celtic culture. Charles took up learning to play bagpipes and studied the myths and legend of that culture. The music was his greatest inspiration, whether it was Irish, Scottish, or Welsh, and it allowed him to use his imagination to see things of long ago. Some were real and others just fantasy. Charles have tried to combine life experiences with those fantasies and tell a story as real as he could. Therefore, his saying "BELIEVE IT BECOMES REAL" has become his hallmark for writing.

Book preview

The cabin in the woods

It had taken almost a year for Ken Mittchel to find and buy his retirement home in the mountains. Although he still had another three years before that would happen, he felt this was the time to secure that dream.

The sleepy little town of Jamestown was a tourist site and held a railroad museum where they had done many movie and T.V. productions. In the small village city center, shops selling trade items of all kinds for the tourists filled in the old store fronts.

Ken was here today to await his furniture delivery for the house and he was filling in time until they arrived, in one of the local restaurants. He had already eaten and was lingering over a cup of coffee. He happened to look down at his watch and noticed he had about an hour yet to wait. He then looked around at the local people that were getting ready to open their shops in about two more hours. Then in the distance he heard the lone whistle of one of the steam engines coming up to pressure before they began their daily train rides for the tourists. It seemed each and everyone of those steam engines had their own sound but, somehow they were all comforting to the ear.

Behind the small village, the mountains rose up almost vertically for over three thousand feet but, hidden in those mountains, passes for a highway and the railroad that was still active found their ways through.

Outside, the temperature was expect to hit eighty degrees; much better than the one hundred and two they expected out in the central valley. Well, it was July after all and that was normal for around here. Above, the sky was cloudless and a rich dark blue. Again, here the wind was light and expected to stay that way for another week.

When he finished his coffee, he thought about having one more but, made up his mind to just go to the house and wait there for the delivery. At least tonight he would spend his first night in the house and he was sure that he would find a lot to do to settle the house around him and make it comfortable.

Tomorrow, he planned to leave early and go into Modesto and pick up some pictures and other small items for the house. He hoped he could get back here before noon and beat the heat of the valley. But that thought, reminded him how much he missed his wife who had passed away last year and now he was alone. They never had any children and that left a loneliness that was hard to explain to others. He had never thought about getting remarried; perhaps it was just too soon to think of that.

Ken walked out to the parking lot and unlocked the Chevrolet Tahoe that he had bought just for this part of the country. It was a big difference from the Audi he drove in the city. Even so, he found it a comfortable car to drive and he felt safe in it.

But before he started the truck, he pause to think on his choice of living in this area. It had so many things to offer him in his retirement. Just a half hour ride to the North, was Angels Camp where all kinds of artistic forms seemed to manifest itself in the people there and halfway in between was the large reservoir that supplied a large portion of the water for the Bay Area; he could fish to his delight at almost anytime. All forms of music were also found throughout the area in the many small villages that dotted the rolling hills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It was as close to heaven for him that, he could experience without actually dying.

Ken started the truck and pulled out of the parking lot and headed East up against the mountains and his new home. It wasn’t that isolated an area but, he had that experience of feeling that it was. His house sat on five acres that was tree covered; although most were California Oak Trees.

In under fifteen minutes, he drove onto his property. There was still no sign of the movers but, that was expected. He parked the truck alongside the house and climbed up on his porch and leaned against the railing looking around the area. Karen would have loved this place. he thought.

Almost on the far end, when he found a spot that was about a block from the restaruant on the north end of the village. He got out and locked the truck and then set out on foot towards the center of the village. He had no idea what he was looking for but, he began to do a lot of window shopping.

As he neared the center of the village, on the main street, he saw a house set back that had been converted into a shop front. He was curious and entered to see what they had. Many notions of all kinds greeted him. Some local crafts and art works were displayed and in the background an enticing form of new age music. It was almost like entering a shop out of the sixties. Ken smiled inwardly and continued to look around. He finally picked out several items and went to pay for them.

When he stepped back outside, he was wondering where to go next and crossed the yard to the sidewalk and followed the tourists to the right and looked through the windows of several other stores. Several people bumped into him and he decided to cross the street and head back towards his truck and look through the windows on that side of the street.

He didn’t get far before he found a bench to sit on and began to look around at the people here. A woman about his age asked if she could sit and share the bench with him. Ken nodded and scooted over a little to make more room. She asked, Are you alone?

I am. I lost my wife about a year ago and you?

He shook off the thought of her never being able to see this house and turned to look through the front window to the right of the door. Then he went and unlocked the front door. He pushed the door open and again turned to look out towards the end of the driveway. Still there was no sign of the movers and he looked at his watch again.

He still had a lot to do tomorrow and his list of needed things sat on the front seat of the Tahoe. As for pictures, he hoped to find some of the works of the local artists and have them framed. That would add a cozyness to the house and make him feel that he was a part of the community. Tomorrow afternoon, he had a local designer coming by to measure and provide him with proper window treatments for the house; that was for about two in the afternoon; he should be back from Modesto by then.

But, it also reminded him that he only had another week before he had to return to the city once more. He had so much to do and little time to finish what he wanted before he had to leave. But, he had another week of vacation time coming in September and he wanted to come back here and just enjoy the local flavor of the community and not have to worry about finding more things for the house. In two days he had a contractor coming to build him a garage just to the side of the house also. He wouldn’t be here during the construction but, it should be done by the time he returned in the Fall. Once that was out of the way, he would consider having a landscaper finish the yard in the Spring.

He had just started to sit on the front steps when he heard the growl of an engine. He looked up and saw the moving van pulling into his driveway. Good, this should take about an hour and then I would have some free time for myself. he thought.

It was almost two hours later that the movers had finally left and now Ken had his furniture in the house and placed where he wanted them. Now, he had to go into the village and see if there was anyplace to buy bedding; otherwise he would have to spend another night in the motel.

But, once he was back in the village, he was told he would have to go to Sonora, that was about three miles away, for his bedding. As he didn’t have much choice, he made the drive and he figured that as long as he was there, he would go ahead and get some food from one of the markets.

He found the drive pleasant and it really didn’t take that long. He found his shop for the bedding right away and then got directions for the grocery store. But, he also found a few objects for the house, in the bedding store, before he left.

By the time he got back to the house, he had only been gone about an hour and a half and he still had most of the afternoon for himself today. He put away the groceries and then made his bed. Now, it was time for some down time.

First he went to the motel and checked out and put his suitcase In the truck. Then he crossed the highway and drove up the main street. As usual for here, the streets were crowded and many people jaywalked through the traffic. Parking was very limited and he was company.

He hurried on to his truck and was now thinking of where to place the small number of items he had purchased. It would add to the home feeling he was looking for. But until the new drapes were up, it seemed a little hollow around the house. Already he was beginning to think on his trip tomorrow into Modesto and what he had to find there. He still had to make his supper tonight, before even thinking about going to bed.

It was almost midnight before Ken began to undress and get ready for bed. As he sat on the edge of the bed, he began to reach for the lamp on the bedside table and then felt a jarring shock. At first he thought it was an earthquake but, it was too short and nothing followed up after. He quickly put on his robe and went to his door to look outside and see if a tree had fallen or if it was something else…

However, he couldn’t see anything nearby and gave up and returned inside. He had to be up early in the morning and thought it was just some curious thing that had happened but, nothing serious. He returned to his bed and quietly slipped under the covers and was soon fast asleep.

Shortly after dawn, he was up and quickly dressed. He drove back into the village and stopped at the restaurant he had been in yesterday for his breakfast. His drive into Modesto would take just over an hour so, he had time to linger here and enjoy his coffee before setting out on the drive. He was listening to some of the locals talking about the jolt last night and he was curious what had My husband passed away almost two years ago from cancer.

It’s a terrible disease. My condolences.

It’s now past history and I’m looking forward with my life. I have traveled and seen many things; like here. I find this area interesting and the people I have met are so different.

I have just moved here from the bay area and find it stimulating. Would you like to get a cup of coffee or tea?

Tea sounds wonderful. Where do you suggest?

There is a small cafe just down the street. I think it’s about two blocks.

Point the way. My name is Kathy.

I’m Ken.

They continued on down the street and still looked in the windows but, didn’t find anything to draw them inside. Then they reached the cafe and went in. Although it was crowded, they got a booth right away and placed their orders.

Ken asked, Where are you from?

I still have my house in Sacramento. But, I now like to think of myself as a nomad and I find the world a wonderful place to be everyday. I don’t really stay long in anyone place now. I fact, I was thinking about spending a little time in Yosemite next week.

That’s a beautiful area. I would have liked to go there myself this Summer but, I still have my job and I have to return the first of the week.

What kind of work do you do?

I’m a senior computer specialist and design new systems.

That sounds interesting.

Actually it’s gotten boring for me and now the younger people are much more capable of doing the actual design work and all I do is sign off on their work. That’s why I’m ready to retire.

They continued to chat for the next hour and finally Ken asked for her phone number; after telling her how much he had enjoyed their visit together. Then he said, I will be back here in September for another week, if you aren’t off somewhere else, I would enjoy your company again.

Call me, Ken and I’ll try to fit your week into my travel plans.

He walked her to the door, after paying for their tea and they said their goodby’s just outside. She turned to the left and Ken turned right headed back to his truck. He was thinking that she had been the most interesting woman he had met since his wife had died.

Already the sun was getting low and he wondered where the afternoon had gone. Then he smiled at the remembrance of her happened. However, they were also talking about a mysterious cloud that had formed against the mountain behind the village. It seemed that it glowed a faint green color too. The local sheriff had called in for some experts to come and investigate what had happened. Ken looked down at his coffee cup and found it was now empty and decided to leave and make his trip; later today when he returned, perhaps they would have some answers.

After he had left the restaurant and began to cross the parking lot to his truck, he looked up at the mountain and saw what they were talking about inside. That cloud did have a curious green glow but, although it was strange Ken ignored it and climbed into his truck and started for the city. He had things to do today and something like that was not going to interfer with his plans.

It was almost two in the afternoon before he returned to Jamestown. He had bought area rugs and several more small items for the house. He was running a little late and still had the meeting with the interior designer before three for his drapes. The contractor should have started on his garage this morning also but, it would take time to prepare the site before the first of the concrete was poured.

By the time he drove onto his property, he could see that the contractor had a skip loader and a small crew working on preparing the area next to his house for the garage. Several stakes with little ribbon flags on them marked the area. Ken parked his truck on the other side of the house and began to unload the items he had purchased in Modesto this morning.

By the time he had everything inside, he paused before placing his area rugs and went back outside to look at what had been done for the garage build. He first looked down at his watch and saw he had about another fifteen minutes before the interior designer should arrive. He crossed over to where he saw his contractor and asked how things were going. The contractor told him that in the morning he would begin building the forms for the concrete and the day after they should be able to start pouring the base pad for the garage. Ken nodded and started to return inside the house but, he heard the car of the interior design coming up the driveway. He waited on the porch for her arrival.

After greeting her and showing her inside, Ken set about putting his new area rugs down where he wanted them, while she did her measurements. They would talk about colors after she had finished her measurements. Perhaps, she would pick up on the colors in the rugs and use that to save him some time.

As he was finishing with the rugs, she came back into the living room and asked if he had heard about the jolt last night and the mysterious cloud up on the mountain. Ken said, Yes. I felt it last night and saw the cloud early this morning. But, nobody seemed to know much about it.

That’s what I heard too.

Well, I suppose the answers will come soon.

Then they began to talk about his choice of colors for the drapes. She showed him several different shags of material and he slowly made his choices. Are you still planning on remodeling the kitchen next Spring? she asked.

Those are my plans but, we’ll talk about that later.

Finally she left and Ken went back outside to look in on the contractor again. But, they were just finishing up and beginning to load their trucks before leaving. Well, shortly he would be alone again and decided to go into the village for his supper as, he didn’t feel like doing any cooking himself tonight.

He happened to glance back over his shoulder at the mountain and the strange cloud once again. He shrugged his shoulders and then went to his truck and started it. He felt there was no need to lock the house here and soon drove down his driveway.

When he reached the restaurant, he just sat in his truck and looked around the area. The parking lot was almost empty, which was strange and wondered about the cause of it. He got out and locked the truck and walked in for his supper. The few people inside were whispering between themselves. He settled in an open booth and waited for the service.

When the waitress brought the menu over, he asked, What’s going on tonight? Why is the village so empty?

You didn’t hear? They say that a lot of dead animals have been found at the base of the mountain and most left until some kind of answers about that cloud were answered.

That’s silly. It’s just a strange cloud formation, that’s all.

The people are scared and until something more is known, most have left the area. Then she walked away.

He only glanced at the menu and then waited for her to return and to take his order. He slowly turned his head and again looked towards the mountain and wondered what the truth was behind that cloud.

The next morning, he returned to the coffee shop again. Then he watched as two blue Chevrolet Suburbans pulled in and parked in the lot. Both were government licensed and were unmarked. Ken was curious but, wondered if they were part of the group that the sheriff had called. Each of the trucks carried two people; three men and a woman.

Ken’s attention was drawn away when the waitress returned to take his order. Even so, he watched the four when they came inside and settled at a booth just in front of him. At least he could overhear what they were talking about.

Ken sipped at his coffee and turned to look at the mountain once again. It was a little strange that the cloud formation had not shifted and still held it’s strange color. Then he heard one of the men from the booth in front of him say, "I want everyone in full protective gear with the air packages on today. Until we know what’s going on, it better to be safe than dead. Lisa, you will stay with the trucks and monitor the readings. I want samples of air, water and all soil in the area affected. We are here until we find some answers, everyone.’

Ken stood and walked to their booth and said, Excuse me, I’m Dr. Ken Mittchel. I work for Microsoft and have just purchased my retirement home here. I’m a senior computer specialist and design new systems. Is there anything I can do to help you find the answers about this mystery?

The oldest of the foursome, looked at Ken and asked, Were you here when this cloud formed?

Yes. The night before we all felt a sharp jolt. At first I thought it was an earthquake but, there were no pre-shakes or after shocks from it. It felt like about a three and lasted about three seconds. Then the next morning, that cloud had formed on the mountain. That’s about all I can tell you about it.

But, you have no idea what caused the jolt?

That’s right. It just happened and nothing after.

Interesting. How can we get in touch with you?

Here’s my cell phone number. Like I said, if you need any help, call me. I’ll be glad to help with your equipment or anything else.

That’s good of you to offer your help. We’re from the E.P.A. and may need your help with some of the equipment links. We’ll be in touch.

Then I won’t bother you any longer. Good Day.

Ken then walked up the counter and paid his bill for his breakfast and decided to walk into the village again. Although it was still too early for the shops to open, he thought that maybe he might see Kathy once more and have a chance to talk some more with her.

The Summer weather made it a short sleeve kind of morning and he was enjoying the small village life he found here. He kept looking into the store fronts looking for things for the house and made mental notes on some of the stores to return to later.

When he reached the end of the business district he crossed the street and returned on the opposite side. He carried on his pattern of looking and once in a while he would look around, looking for Kathy but he still saw no sign of her. When he reached the cafe, he went inside and ordered a cup of coffee. He sat near the window and watched other people wandering the empty street. His thoughts then returned to his conversation with the people from the E.P.A. and he had thoughts about the strange cloud once again.

While he was lost in those thoughts, a knock on the cafe window next him startled him and he looked up to see who it was. It was Kathy…

Ken waved for her to come inside and then waited while she walked to the door and entered. She said as she approached him, A penny for your thoughts.

When she had sat, he said, Oh, I was talking to some people from the E.P.A. about the strange cloud this morning and was just lost in thought about what was going on.

That’s heavy stuff, Ken. You never know what will come from that.

I know. I was wondering if I made a bad choice about buying a retirement home here.

Well, time will tell you. But, this is a wonderful little town and I think you did right. Besides, you might not have met me, right?

Ken didn’t know how to respond and just smiled back at her. Then he said, What are you doing for the rest of today? Would you like to come see my simple house?

I think that would be delightful. May I eat first?

Of course. I’ve already eaten, I’m afraid. But, I would like to enter some of the shops here first this morning. I saw a few things that would fit the house and I don’t want to miss out on them. Is that alright with you?

I would like to join you and see what kind of tastes you have.

Ken smiled and responded, My tastes are simple and may disappoint you.

We will see, Ken.

Later, after Kathy had eaten, Ken paid her bill and they set off to do some shopping in the shops open today; many remained closed because of their fear about the strange cloud and lack of tourists.

After an hour of checking the shops, Ken had only bought a few music C.D.’s and felt disappointed by his lack of luck today. However, Kathy had found a few things herself and felt satisfied by her purchases. They shortly set off for Ken’s truck and talked between themselves about what their life’s had been like before they had met.

Ken’s thoughts were that he had closed out that part of his life and was looking to reinvent himself with new challenges. Something that Kathy had seemed to have done a few years ago. But, they seemed very comfortable with each other, when seen by others they happened to pass.

They finally reached Ken’s Tahoe and loaded their few items in the back seat. Ken took a slow ride out to his property and when they arrived, he found the contractors working at setting the concrete forms for his garage. Kathy asked about what he was having built and he told her. But, she really didn’t seem that interested in it. However, the small house caught her interest and she asked many questions about it. She really loved the small porch with it’s seating area.

Ken unlocked the door and let her wander around the house looking at what he had done so far. When she got to the kitchen, Ken told her that he was going to have it rebuilt in the Spring and made a little more modern. It needs it. she replied.

Then Ken asked if she would like some wine. That sounds wonderful, Ken. Can we return to the front porch and drink it there?

If you would like to do so. But, the contractors might be a little noisy with their building.

That’s alright, I don’t mind.

Soon, they made their way to the porch and both now seemed drawn to the strange cloud formation high on the mountain nearby. Kathy asked, What do you think of that cloud?

I think it just some kind of natural gas release from the mountain. The people from the E.P.A. should have the answers shortly on what caused it and if it holds any dangers for the people here.

I don’t think that is the right answer. There is something strange about how it came to be and what it’s cause is.

Why would you say that? There is nothing, other than it’s strange color, that could not be explained other than a natural phenomenon.

It’s just a feeling and I rely on my inner senses to warn me of dangers and strange things like this.

Ken remained silent with that thought and again looked towards the mountain and the cloud. Kathy followed his eyes and they sipped at their wine and said little more about it.

They were soon broken from their thoughts when, the lead contractor came over to talk with Ken about their progress on the garage. We will have the forms and the structural rebar finished in about an hour. We can pour the concrete this afternoon and have the finish work for that part finished. Then in about three days, we can begin the framing for the garage.

Good. Move ahead at your own pace and don’t worry about telling me.

Kathy said after the contractor had left, Why are you building it so large?

Well, I have another car in the city and I haven’t made up my mind about keeping it or selling it. Besides, I might do some hobby work in there later on too.

Won’t that be to cold for doing hobbies?

No. When I had it designed, I went to the trouble of adding a heating system under the concrete floor that radiates heat in the Winter.

Then you must have provided electricity for other things as well?

I did. It will be just as warm as the house in the Winter and provide me with everything I need to work in there, when it’s cold outside.

But, what about this new problem? You know that cloud thing.

I’m sure it will be sorted out before to much longer.

I’m not so sure about that, Ken. It may take a lot longer than you are prepared for.

If that’s the case, perhaps we can go on a trip somewhere? Kathy smiled a look of contentment and just nodded her head. Then Ken said, Whatever happens, we should have some kind of answer in two more days.

Then Kathy said, Are you up for a ride?

What do you have in mind?

I know of an antique shop in Oakdale; that’s back towards Modesto. You need some nic-nac’s to fill out your house and make it feel more like the house that reflects you.

That sounds like fun and we could get some lunch there too.

Then finish your wine and let’s go.

Before much longer they were headed out on the road and soon left Jamestown behind them. A half later they arrived in Oakdale.

New Questions

The next morning, Ken awoke to his cell phone ringing. Ken was still feeling not fully awake when he answered. It was the senior researcher from the E.P.A. and he asked, Dr. Mittchel were you serious about helping us yesterday?

Ken sat up straighter in his bed and swung his feet over the edge. "Yes. Why do you ask?

Can we meet at the restaurant in the village in say about a half hour and I’ll explain then.

I’ll be there.

After he hung the phone up he rubbed at his face and then slowly stood. Last night with Kathy had run late and now he felt like he could sleep for another two hours but, he stood and went to the bathroom to wash and shave.

Exactly a half hour later he pulled into the restaurant parking lot and started for the door. He turned his head and looked at the two trucks of the E.P.A. people and then turned to look at the mountain without changing his stride. He wondered why they had called but, he did offer to help if he could.

He walked directly to their booth and was offered a seat. The server came by and he asked for coffee. Then Ken turned to the senior man and asked, Now what going on, that you need me?

The senior man turned to look around the room to see if anybody was listening in on their conversation, before turning back to Ken. We found something strange yesterday while getting our samples and I want you to look at it and see of you can determine what it is.

Where is this thing?

It’s in one of the trucks. It kind of looks like a computer chip, but it’s larger than anything we’ve ever seen and is unusually light weight.

What has it got to do with the cloud up there?

That’s what we hope you can answer. Here’s a photo of it.

Ken glanced at the photo and noted that they had a yard stick along side to show it size. He shallowed and then began to look closer at it…

Finally he said, This is the only one you found?

Yes. Have you ever seen anything like it before?

No. I don’t think anyone has ever seen anything like it before. When can I take a closer look at it?

Right now, if you like.

Ken and the senior man slid from the booth and walked out to one of the trucks. In the back of one of them, the senior man pulled back a cover and let Ken examine the strange object. You were right about it resembling a computer chip but, I’ve never seen anything of this size before. Ken slid his hand under one corner and slowly began to lift the object and was surprised at how light it was. He only raised it enough to look at the bottom and found it appeared the same as the topside. Then, he looked at the objects four external features that looked like connections for other systems. Then he set the object back down and recovered it to hide it’s presence from any others that might walk by.

I don’t know what it is or it’s purpose right now but, I would like to take it back to the Bay Area with me and begin testing on it to see just what it is and where it came from. I will need my equipment and staff there to help me determine it’s purpose.

Let me make some calls and see if it’s alright for you to do so. what kind of security clearances do you have?

I have been rated top secret before and I’m sure it still stands.

Ken went back inside and sat with the others, while the senior man remained in the parking lot and made some phone calls. When the senior man returned inside he told Ken, You have been cleared to take the object but, two men from Homeland Security will be assigned to you. When do you plan to leave?

I have one more day here and then I’ll return and begin the research on the object.

Good. That will give time for the agents to arrive.

What about the stories of dead animals up there? Did you find any?

We did. In fact, a great many and we will be shipping several of them for necropsy results as to their deaths. Perhaps then, if our other test are negative, those will give us the cause of that cloud and it’s dangers.

What’s it like up there on the mountain?

Well, we just got inside the lower edge of the cloud but, it’s dense and you couldn’t see more than a few feet. Then the mountain started to become harder to climb in our suits from that point.

Do you think there is any danger down here?

Our test show that as long as you are out of the cloud, there is no danger and as long as it doesn’t move, should remain that way.

Well, it hasn’t moved since it formed.

Yes, but that still doesn’t mean it won’t.

Ken nodded and sipped at his