A few months shy of a year, yes. And I have not been home since, although from what I hear that is not much of an issue.

If that is what you feel would be safest, feel free to do so. It would be good to take an inventory, at the very least. If I am remembering correctly, it is just enough to make the three day journey to the next town. And as for the creature... Well, you will probably find other, aggressive kinds on the road, so I would not be so quick to leave it behind.