Something stirs beneath the muddy waters of the swamp.
Many creatures inhabit wetlands, and the everglades of Florida are no different, but the reptilian form that scrambles out of the swamp can be found nowhere else. It slithers its way into the sun and lies perfectly still; it’s species unknown. It remains basking until its last slimy scale is baked hard and brittle. The outer layer is then violently shaken off, leaving the manlike thing to climb to its feet. It begins to walk, slowly at first, then faster and faster. The naked form breaks into a steady run. It has a long way to go before finding what it needs, a residence, a home.
It is night and the large house is quiet. The last of the lights go out and the figure finds a way in and climbs to the bedrooms. Three sleeping figures, mother, father and son. Going from room to room, it touches the foreheads of each and their sleep is made deeper. It finds the man’s clothes hanging and selects. Dressed now, it gathers a cell phone and cash. Back down in the lounge, with lights on, a fast learner, it sits using Google maps. Destination, the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Sixteen hours by car, two weeks on foot. It chooses the latter. It steps outside, leaving the front door ajar.
It begins to walk.
Its purpose, unknown.