Don't Stay Too Long by the River

This is a story about the challenging and treacherous journey of a young man of 17 who tried to defend his mother's honor against a trio of bullies, possibly killing one and barely escaping with his own life. Then he had to flee under the cover of darkness, along with another young man in a similar situation, and cross 4 state borders in order to save his life. His father gave him his best hunting knife...his mother gave him a few provisions, many hugs and kisses, covered his face in her tears and then sent him on his way with her prayers for his safety. She knew that the river would provide water and solace but also danger because everyone else also knew that this would be his most likely stopping place...even he had no clue as to his final destination. Yes, he would head for the river, the Chattahoochee, but only to catch his breath and unburden his soul for a moment...then he would find a way across, perhaps continue farther north, but eventually he decided to follow the trail which led west. First, he had to try to formulate a plan for survival so that he and his fellow renegade would be able to stay alive.