Martha walked down the street, heading for town to pick up some things for the house. It was a nice fall morning with a crisp, cool air so she didn't mind the walk. As she walked along, she admired some of the other houses in her neighborhood. She was enjoying quiet morning, seeing the first of the leaves starting to turn signaling a change in the seasons. Martha had never particularly enjoyed summer, so she wasn't heartbroken to see it go. She loved their new house and the new town seemed nice if it weren't for that one thing, Werebeasts. She was still struggling to get her mind around it. She didn't know what made her more mad, that her family was basically tricked into moving to such a place or that they were basically being forced to accept it. She had to admire her eldest for agreeing to take on that burden, even though he seemed to want to so willingly. That was a bit weird, isn't it, she thought to herself. She shrugged it off, stating she always promised never to judge her children's life choices and love them unconditionally. She took a deep breath and picked up the pace. There was a lot still to accomplish for the day.
She was startled though when a black sedan pulled up next to her and the window rolled down, revealing Samantha Twist behind the wheel. "Martha, I thought that was you!"
"Oh, Mrs. Twist. I...um, were you coming to see me?" Martha was quite surprised to see Samantha in the mid-morning in her neighborhood.
"Not at all. I just live up the road. Are you heading into town?" asked Samantha.
"Why yes as a matter of fact I am."
"Hop in, I'll give you a lift. It's quite a hike otherwise."
Martha thought it over for a second whether or not that was a good idea but ultimately decided to take her up on it. She walked over to the passenger side and got into the car. Samantha put the car into drive as Martha fastened her seat belt.
"So, how are you adjusting to the news I gave you all last night?" asked Samantha.
"I'm not sure. I'm trying to keep an open mind but it's just all so...I don't know." Martha chose her words carefully not wanting to unintentionally offend Samantha.
"I'll admit it is a lot to deal with. We've kept our existence such a closely guarded secret that no one believes we exist anymore. So when someone, like you for instance, finds out the truth it is a bit overwhelming."
"Yes, overwhelming. That's a good word for it." Martha, much to her surprise was starting to warm up to Samantha. She seemed like a warm, loving and genuine person. Martha couldn't help but wonder if the two might even wind up as friends one day. Then she caught sight of Samantha's shapely legs and thought maybe even more before pushing that thought out of her head. No that was just that one time at college, she thought.
"Now then, where were you headed?" asked Samantha.
"Just the grocery store," replied Martha.
"Ah, very good." The two rode in silence the rest of the way into town as Martha looked around and got an idea of the layout of the town. In a manner of a couple minutes, they were parked in front of the local grocery store. Samantha reached into the backseat and grabbed her purse. She dug inside it for a moment and then handed her a card. "Here, this is my wife Frances' card. She's a local therapist and more importantly her family went through what yours is. I think she may be able to help you make the adjustment to Moon Lake."
Martha was a bit surprised, but appreciated the gesture. "Thanks. I'll have to give her a call."
Martha got out if the car and placed the card in her jeans pocket. She then closed the door and waved goodbye to Martha before going into the store.