Too Close To Home | June 12, 2024

In the quiet, frost-kissed town of Cooke City, Montana, life moves at a tranquil pace beneath the shadow of the Beartooth Mountains. Just a few miles from the eastern gate of Yellowstone National Park, this small community seems untouched by the chaos of the outside world. However, not everything is as serene as it appears.

Old Lucy, a weathered and wise dog, awakens under the wooden porch of an abandoned building as the dawn sky begins to light up with hues of pale blue. Despite the mid-July chill that leaves frost glistening on car hoods and tin rooftops, Lucy is unbothered as long as the elements remain kind. With a shake and stretch, she embarks on her daily journey through Cooke City’s gravel pathways, her breath visible in the cold air.

Each morning, Old Lucy makes her rounds downtown, relying on the kindness of restaurant owners and tourists for her sustenance. The summer months bring an abundance of both, ensuring the grizzled mongrel is well-fed and content. But Cooke City harbors secrets, and the seemingly peaceful routine of its residents-and its canine wanderer-are about to be disrupted.

Too Close To Home weaves a poignant tale of survival, community, and the unspoken bond between humans and their four-legged companions. Against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes and the raw beauty of nature, this story delves into the heart of a small town’s quiet struggles and unexpected threats. Old Lucy’s journey through the streets of Cooke City is more than just a quest for food; it’s a testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of those who find themselves on the margins of society.

Perfect for readers who cherish stories of connection, courage, and the untamed wilderness, Too Close To Home is a moving exploration of life in a remote town where every dawn brings new challenges and the promise of hope.