"They're a lot like people. Only much larger. They're nice until they're given a reason not to be." It's alright. Muldoon will give her plenty of chances to meet more animals than she'd ever wish to see.

Eventually they do slow down, going off the main road and somewhere with more trees to provide much needed shelter. There are a few houses along the way, but none of them are very close to each other. It's not easy to ask your neighbour for milk or sugar, but people do it anyway.

Muldoon pulls in and stops the car in front of a reasonably sized bungalow. It's well kept, clean and maintained, and looks a little nicer than most of the other places they passed. Nothing extravagant, but pretty enough.

He opens the car door for her and helps her out before leading her to his house. Once the front door is opened, he lets her step inside first. It might as well be from a magazine for how pristine it is. Which certainly was partly in preparation of her arrival. However its décor leaves much to be desired. Muldoon decorates by buying what's necessary and using what's gifted to him. There isn't even a television. There are, however, plenty of books and music, photos and souvenirs, including a shotgun mounted on the wall.

It's startling clear that this home is devoid of a woman's touch. Any woman's touch.

Once he's sure Midge isn't about to demand a hotel, Muldoon says, "You settle in. I'll get your luggage."