The Saxton Girl
A crow landed on the bare branch just in front of me. I tightened the coat some more as the cold wind blew amongst the trees. I looked at the crow and felt as if he were watching me. Shaking the feeling of, I continued down the stone path of the woods. As an owl hooted, I quickened my pace, almost running. I tripped over something and fell flat on my face. If a crow could laugh I’m sure
it would’ve.
I don’t know how long I was laying on the ground for but after a while I felt a hand on my back. Then the fingers travelled up my neck and rested on my cheek. The thumb started to stroke the rough skin. I turned my head to the right and saw her looking down at me with an reassurance smile.
“Can you get up?” She asked quietly.
“Yeah.” I said and used my hands to push myself up into a sitting position. I brushed the small stones from my hands and jeans.
“I thought you were knocked out.” She said as she joined me.
“I was just laying down after the fall. I do that sometimes. Prevents a head spin.” I said
She let out a short laugh and looked at the crow. She nodded and he flew of. “Don’t mind him. He’s a family pet.”
“Who would keep a crow as a pet?”
“My family. But then again, we are weird lot.”
“No comment. What’s your name?”
She considered for a bit before she said “Ally. Ally Saxton.”
“Shane Filan.” I offered my hand and she took it. “Nice to meet you Ally.”
“You to Shane. What are you doing out here? Don’t you know these woods are haunted?”
“I know the stories. I’ve got a relative out here who I’m of to meet. And you?”
“I said we’re a weird lot. Does it surprise you we live in the middle of this wood?”
“No it doesn’t surprise me. Are the stories true?”
“Only if you believe them.”
“Thankfully I don’t.”
“Bold move.” Ally placed her hand on my chest and her fingers walked up to the zip of my coat. My breathing got quicker as she started to pull the zip down.
“Ally.” I said
She ignored me as she undid the zip and pulled my coat to either side. Her eyes locked with mine as she pushed me down until my back was against the stones. She climbed on top of me and circled my hair with her fingers. Ally lowered her head until lips were on mine. I stopped breathing for a second as our lips touched. Her lips turned to a smile and as she pulled away, she started laughing. When I realise what she was doing, I joined in.
“I know it’s not you.” I said after I calmed down.
“How?” Ally challenged.
“I would have turned into stone if it was.”
“True. But that’s with the full works.”
Ally kissed me again and this time it was more passionate. I got lost in the moment and temporarily forgot I was married.
“Ally,” I mumbled as I moved away from the kiss “Don’t. I know what you’re trying to do but it’s wrong. I’m married.”
“I know you are.” She whispered. She kissed me once more but quickly gave up when I didn’t respond.
“Don’t be out tomorrow.” Ally said firmly “You’ll regret it.”
Ally pushed herself up and walked the way I had come. I stayed on the ground, trying to control my breathing. When my breathing was normal and my mind clear, I stood up and continued down the path.
“Where have you been?” Asked my uncle as I walked into the cabin.
“No where. I tripped on my way, that’s all.” I said
“Tripped? You know that path better than anyone.”
“It’s different the day after a storm Uncle Tom.”
“Should be more careful where you’re walking. Here’s ya food.” Uncle Tom basically threw the plate of food onto the small round table “Don’t complain if it’s cold.” He left the room and I sighed deeply.
I sat down and picked at my food. 2 sausages, baked beans and a slice of toast. I was never really hungry when I come to visit Uncle Tom. He wasn’t exactly hygienic and I could immediately tell this plate has been on the floor.
After half an hour of picking at the food, I threw it in the bin and washed the plate. When I put the dishes away I joined Uncle Tom in the small sitting room. The fire was blazing and I sighed deeply as I sat down on the wooden chair. Uncle Tom was smoking from his pipe.
“Uncle Tom,” I said “Do you know the Saxton family?”
“I only really met that daughter of theirs.” Said Uncle Tom “The one with the orange hair.”
“It’s red.”
“Red? I’ve always thought it was orange. She’s a lovely girl. Forever talking about her family but I’ve never met them. Sounds as if they’re a good lot it does.”
“Does she ever come round?”
“A few times. Helps with the washing and the cleaning when she’s bored.”
“Define ‘a few’.”
Uncle Tom looked at me as if I’ve accused him for something. “Three times a month. Get a decent meal out of her I do. Why the sudden interest?”
“No real reason. I met her today on the way here, after I tripped.” I explained.
“She’s a good girl.” Uncle Tom looked at the flames and held a far away look on his face, as if he were remembering an old time. I sat back in the chair and looked out the window.
****
The next morning I was out collecting twigs for the firs. Something I always did when I was younger. I heard the flapping of wings and I looked up. The crow landed and starred at me.
“Oh, hi!” I heard her strong British accent and looked away from the crow. Ally was standing by a silver birch and I couldn’t help but notice what she was wearing. A red vest top with mini shorts. And here I was wearing my thick winter coat.
“Hi Ally.” I said “Aren’t you cold?”
“Nah. I never feel the cold. Why?”
“Just…”
She smiled as she placed her hand on the bare skin of her hip. She chuckled a little when I raised my eyebrow.
“Thought you were married.” She said
“I am.”
“Then change what you’re thinking.”
I looked at her confused. How did she know what suddenly popped into my mind? I put the question to the back of my mind. “What are you doing out here at this time of day?” I asked
“Exactly what you’re doing.” Ally said “I’m on my second round.”
“No wonder I can’t so many this time.”
“You’re looking in the wrong place, that’s why.”
“Uh-huh. And how do you know?”
“I live here remember.”
“Good point.”
Ally walked quickly towards me and immediately took my hand in hers. How could she not be cold? Her hand was as cold as ice. Her face was just inches away from min when she said “Come with me. I’ll show you the best place to gather firewood.” She hesitated for a few seconds before she turned round and started walking away from the path.
I had always stuck with the path whenever I came here. But I had full trust in Ally to take me away from it.
We stopped at the site of blown over trees. The wind was much more cold here.
“This is the area worse affected from the heavy wind.” Explained Ally “Perfect for firewood.”
I looked around. It wasn’t just perfect for firewood. I’m sure the Saxton family uses it for repairs.
“We don’t do repairs.” Ally said
“How do you do that?” I asked
“Do what?”
“Act if you can read my mind.”
Ally shrugged and went to start collecting her second round. I watched her. A small smile crept on my lips as she bent over. Her head turned my way and she said “Aren’t you supposed to be working?” I shook my head and joined her.
“You warned me yesterday.” I said after a while “ ‘Don’t come out tomorrow’ you said. And that I’ll regret it.”
“That’s only if you come out at night. Not very safe around here. Halloween is the worse. Certain rituals that need travellers like you.”
“Thanks for the warning. Make sure I’m back at Uncle Tom’s in time.” I said reluctantly.
“Always come round mine. We need an extra pair of hands to decorate the cabin.”
I considered her offer. I should get back to Uncle Tom but I wanted to spend more time with Ally.
“I don’t have all day Shane. I need to head back.” Ally said
“Okay then, let’s go. Uncle Tom will be asleep anyway.” I said
“For sure he will. Come on.” Ally grabbed my hand and walked quickly through the woods.
Ally’s cabin was a happy site. All thins associated with Halloween was on display outside. Scared black cats, carved pumpkins, witches brooms, zombies, the works. Two people came out of the cabin holding something between them. “Hi sweetheart!” the woman called cheerfully but never turned her face round.
“Hi ma.” said Ally “I’ve brought an extra pair of hands.”
“We don’t need anymore plastic hands.” Said the man
“No dad, not plastic hands. I mean I’ve got someone standing beside me.”
Her parents dropped whatever they were carrying and her mother turned on her heels. She placed her hands on her hips and her father stood next to his wife with his arms folded. I looked at Ally.
“Don’t be so surprised.” Said Ally “He can do the heavy lifting.”
“Ally you can’t just bring someone home like this on Halloween.” Her mother warned.
Ally rolled her eyes “He’ll be back in time. He’s staying at Tom’s.”
Her dad raised an eyebrow and looked me up and down. I was beginning to feel uncomfortable.
“Tom’s nephew uh?” He said “No harm putting him to work. Save your back it will Leigh.”
“Why not? I can make a start on the meal. Ally, are you helping?” Asked her mother.
“Of course ma!” Ally put her hand on my arm and said “Enjoy working with dad. As long as you follow his orders, you’ll be fine.”
She kissed me on the cheek and followed her mother into the cabin. I sighed. So much for spending more time with her.
The final decorations were placed around the cabin. We were now gathered in the small dinning room, eating the delicious meal Mrs Saxton had made. Once we finished, I helped take the dishes through to the kitchen. I was going to start washing them but Mrs Saxton stopped me.
“You’re our guest Shane.” She said “Let Ally do the dishes. She always does them.”
Ally rolled her eyes and put her elbow on the table and rested her chin on her hand. I tried to stop myself from laughing.
“It’s fine Mrs Saxton.” I said “You allowed me to join you, washing the dishes is the least I can do.”
“We don’t let…”
“Let this be the first and only time.” I winked at her and turned my attention to the dishes.
Once the dishes were done and I was ready to leave, Mrs Saxton said worryingly “I didn’t it was so late.”
We looked out the window and it was pitch black. I shrugged “I don’t mind walking in the dark.”
“We’re too far into the woods. You can get lost.”
“I can take him.” Offered Ally “I know the way to Tom’s.”
“You’re not going anywhere young lady.” Mr Saxton said “The rituals would have started by now.”
“Rituals?” I asked “I thought Ally made them up to scare me.”
“I wish.” Said Ally
“No choice. The boy has to stay here tonight.” Mr Saxton said. His tone of voice clear he was unhappy about the outcome.
“We’ve only got one room and that’s yours.”
“He will have to sleep on the floor.”
“I’m happy with that.” I said
Mr Saxton glared at me and I wish I could step back.
“You will not sleep next to my daughter or near her. You will sleep next to the farthest wall from her. Understand?”
“Yes sir.”
“Ally will get your blanket. My wife and I are of to bed. Good night.”
Ally and I watched them leave the room and I released the breath I didn’trealise I was holding.
“He’s little overprotective.” Ally said, shrugging.
We went into the sitting room and I helped Ally pull out the sofa bed. While I dealt with the duvet, she went to get a blanket.
“The thickest blanket in the cabin.” Said Ally and she handed me the blanket.
It was thick and soft. I felt uncomfortable using it because I was taking it
away from either Ally or her parents.
“You’re sleeping under the window. It’s pretty cold around there.” Ally nodded to the back wall and I saw an open window.
Sighing, I went over and laid the blanket down. Ally threw her pillow to me and I noticed it was the only one. I was going to protest but Ally came over and wrapped her arms around my waist.
“I’m used to sleeping without a pillow.” She said “Besides the guest always come first.”
She stood on her tiptoes and our lips touched. My eyes closed and I felt like I could collapse. She pulled away and winked at me. She left the room and I sighed deeply. What was it about this girl? Ignoring the question, I laid on the floor and allowed sleep to come.
****
In the morning I saw I wasn’t the only one up early. Ally wasn’t in the room. A cold wind entered the window and I shivered. Pulling the blanket off, I stood and straightened out my clothes. Knowing I should get back and not wanting to disturb the parents, I quietly left the cabin.
The crow was sitting on a branch opposite and I waited to hear her voice. When it didn’t come, I headed back to my Uncle’s. On the way there I tripped over something and fell flat on my face.
I felt someone shaking me and I refused to opened my eyes. Because I did the shaking got harder. I moaned.
“Come on boy, wake up.” He said loudly. When I didn’t respond he said “For heaven sakes boy! Wake up!” There was no sign of worry in his voice, just annoyance.
Knowing I didn’t have much choice I opened my eyes. There was Uncle Tom looking at me with angry eyes. A small pain shot through my upper leg and I tried to shut the scream that wanted to escape. Uncle Tom let go of my shoulders and my back hit the stone path. I squinted my eyes shut as I felt more pain.
“Was getting’ worried about’ ya.” Said Uncle Tom “You’re never this late.”
“Sorry.” I said “Would’ve come back last night but…”
“Las’ night? What ya talkin’ about boy?”
I opened my eyes and saw him confused. If he was confused, so was I.
“Isn’t today the first of November?” I asked
He shook his head “It’s the 30th of October boy. That fall mess with ya head it did.”
I sat up on my elbows and stared at Uncle Tom. Who had the date wrong?
“Uncle Tom, do you know a girl called Ally Saxton?”
“No, should I?”
“She lives here with her parents.”
“I’m the only one who lives here boy. Listen to ya! Dreaming up a girl. Honestly. Better get ya to the cabin. Clean that scrap and give ya a bath. Come on.”
Uncle Tom stood up and held his hand out. I allowed him to help me up. He started walking as soon as I was on my feet. I looked around. The crow was sitting on the branch of the silver birch and when I looked down, I saw her. She was standing behind the tree and waved at me. I smiled at her and once I blinked she was gone. I began to wonder if she was a dream after all.
“Ya comin’?” Shouted Uncle Tom.
I nodded and followed him back to the cabin.
The end.
it would’ve.
I don’t know how long I was laying on the ground for but after a while I felt a hand on my back. Then the fingers travelled up my neck and rested on my cheek. The thumb started to stroke the rough skin. I turned my head to the right and saw her looking down at me with an reassurance smile.
“Can you get up?” She asked quietly.
“Yeah.” I said and used my hands to push myself up into a sitting position. I brushed the small stones from my hands and jeans.
“I thought you were knocked out.” She said as she joined me.
“I was just laying down after the fall. I do that sometimes. Prevents a head spin.” I said
She let out a short laugh and looked at the crow. She nodded and he flew of. “Don’t mind him. He’s a family pet.”
“Who would keep a crow as a pet?”
“My family. But then again, we are weird lot.”
“No comment. What’s your name?”
She considered for a bit before she said “Ally. Ally Saxton.”
“Shane Filan.” I offered my hand and she took it. “Nice to meet you Ally.”
“You to Shane. What are you doing out here? Don’t you know these woods are haunted?”
“I know the stories. I’ve got a relative out here who I’m of to meet. And you?”
“I said we’re a weird lot. Does it surprise you we live in the middle of this wood?”
“No it doesn’t surprise me. Are the stories true?”
“Only if you believe them.”
“Thankfully I don’t.”
“Bold move.” Ally placed her hand on my chest and her fingers walked up to the zip of my coat. My breathing got quicker as she started to pull the zip down.
“Ally.” I said
She ignored me as she undid the zip and pulled my coat to either side. Her eyes locked with mine as she pushed me down until my back was against the stones. She climbed on top of me and circled my hair with her fingers. Ally lowered her head until lips were on mine. I stopped breathing for a second as our lips touched. Her lips turned to a smile and as she pulled away, she started laughing. When I realise what she was doing, I joined in.
“I know it’s not you.” I said after I calmed down.
“How?” Ally challenged.
“I would have turned into stone if it was.”
“True. But that’s with the full works.”
Ally kissed me again and this time it was more passionate. I got lost in the moment and temporarily forgot I was married.
“Ally,” I mumbled as I moved away from the kiss “Don’t. I know what you’re trying to do but it’s wrong. I’m married.”
“I know you are.” She whispered. She kissed me once more but quickly gave up when I didn’t respond.
“Don’t be out tomorrow.” Ally said firmly “You’ll regret it.”
Ally pushed herself up and walked the way I had come. I stayed on the ground, trying to control my breathing. When my breathing was normal and my mind clear, I stood up and continued down the path.
“Where have you been?” Asked my uncle as I walked into the cabin.
“No where. I tripped on my way, that’s all.” I said
“Tripped? You know that path better than anyone.”
“It’s different the day after a storm Uncle Tom.”
“Should be more careful where you’re walking. Here’s ya food.” Uncle Tom basically threw the plate of food onto the small round table “Don’t complain if it’s cold.” He left the room and I sighed deeply.
I sat down and picked at my food. 2 sausages, baked beans and a slice of toast. I was never really hungry when I come to visit Uncle Tom. He wasn’t exactly hygienic and I could immediately tell this plate has been on the floor.
After half an hour of picking at the food, I threw it in the bin and washed the plate. When I put the dishes away I joined Uncle Tom in the small sitting room. The fire was blazing and I sighed deeply as I sat down on the wooden chair. Uncle Tom was smoking from his pipe.
“Uncle Tom,” I said “Do you know the Saxton family?”
“I only really met that daughter of theirs.” Said Uncle Tom “The one with the orange hair.”
“It’s red.”
“Red? I’ve always thought it was orange. She’s a lovely girl. Forever talking about her family but I’ve never met them. Sounds as if they’re a good lot it does.”
“Does she ever come round?”
“A few times. Helps with the washing and the cleaning when she’s bored.”
“Define ‘a few’.”
Uncle Tom looked at me as if I’ve accused him for something. “Three times a month. Get a decent meal out of her I do. Why the sudden interest?”
“No real reason. I met her today on the way here, after I tripped.” I explained.
“She’s a good girl.” Uncle Tom looked at the flames and held a far away look on his face, as if he were remembering an old time. I sat back in the chair and looked out the window.
****
The next morning I was out collecting twigs for the firs. Something I always did when I was younger. I heard the flapping of wings and I looked up. The crow landed and starred at me.
“Oh, hi!” I heard her strong British accent and looked away from the crow. Ally was standing by a silver birch and I couldn’t help but notice what she was wearing. A red vest top with mini shorts. And here I was wearing my thick winter coat.
“Hi Ally.” I said “Aren’t you cold?”
“Nah. I never feel the cold. Why?”
“Just…”
She smiled as she placed her hand on the bare skin of her hip. She chuckled a little when I raised my eyebrow.
“Thought you were married.” She said
“I am.”
“Then change what you’re thinking.”
I looked at her confused. How did she know what suddenly popped into my mind? I put the question to the back of my mind. “What are you doing out here at this time of day?” I asked
“Exactly what you’re doing.” Ally said “I’m on my second round.”
“No wonder I can’t so many this time.”
“You’re looking in the wrong place, that’s why.”
“Uh-huh. And how do you know?”
“I live here remember.”
“Good point.”
Ally walked quickly towards me and immediately took my hand in hers. How could she not be cold? Her hand was as cold as ice. Her face was just inches away from min when she said “Come with me. I’ll show you the best place to gather firewood.” She hesitated for a few seconds before she turned round and started walking away from the path.
I had always stuck with the path whenever I came here. But I had full trust in Ally to take me away from it.
We stopped at the site of blown over trees. The wind was much more cold here.
“This is the area worse affected from the heavy wind.” Explained Ally “Perfect for firewood.”
I looked around. It wasn’t just perfect for firewood. I’m sure the Saxton family uses it for repairs.
“We don’t do repairs.” Ally said
“How do you do that?” I asked
“Do what?”
“Act if you can read my mind.”
Ally shrugged and went to start collecting her second round. I watched her. A small smile crept on my lips as she bent over. Her head turned my way and she said “Aren’t you supposed to be working?” I shook my head and joined her.
“You warned me yesterday.” I said after a while “ ‘Don’t come out tomorrow’ you said. And that I’ll regret it.”
“That’s only if you come out at night. Not very safe around here. Halloween is the worse. Certain rituals that need travellers like you.”
“Thanks for the warning. Make sure I’m back at Uncle Tom’s in time.” I said reluctantly.
“Always come round mine. We need an extra pair of hands to decorate the cabin.”
I considered her offer. I should get back to Uncle Tom but I wanted to spend more time with Ally.
“I don’t have all day Shane. I need to head back.” Ally said
“Okay then, let’s go. Uncle Tom will be asleep anyway.” I said
“For sure he will. Come on.” Ally grabbed my hand and walked quickly through the woods.
Ally’s cabin was a happy site. All thins associated with Halloween was on display outside. Scared black cats, carved pumpkins, witches brooms, zombies, the works. Two people came out of the cabin holding something between them. “Hi sweetheart!” the woman called cheerfully but never turned her face round.
“Hi ma.” said Ally “I’ve brought an extra pair of hands.”
“We don’t need anymore plastic hands.” Said the man
“No dad, not plastic hands. I mean I’ve got someone standing beside me.”
Her parents dropped whatever they were carrying and her mother turned on her heels. She placed her hands on her hips and her father stood next to his wife with his arms folded. I looked at Ally.
“Don’t be so surprised.” Said Ally “He can do the heavy lifting.”
“Ally you can’t just bring someone home like this on Halloween.” Her mother warned.
Ally rolled her eyes “He’ll be back in time. He’s staying at Tom’s.”
Her dad raised an eyebrow and looked me up and down. I was beginning to feel uncomfortable.
“Tom’s nephew uh?” He said “No harm putting him to work. Save your back it will Leigh.”
“Why not? I can make a start on the meal. Ally, are you helping?” Asked her mother.
“Of course ma!” Ally put her hand on my arm and said “Enjoy working with dad. As long as you follow his orders, you’ll be fine.”
She kissed me on the cheek and followed her mother into the cabin. I sighed. So much for spending more time with her.
The final decorations were placed around the cabin. We were now gathered in the small dinning room, eating the delicious meal Mrs Saxton had made. Once we finished, I helped take the dishes through to the kitchen. I was going to start washing them but Mrs Saxton stopped me.
“You’re our guest Shane.” She said “Let Ally do the dishes. She always does them.”
Ally rolled her eyes and put her elbow on the table and rested her chin on her hand. I tried to stop myself from laughing.
“It’s fine Mrs Saxton.” I said “You allowed me to join you, washing the dishes is the least I can do.”
“We don’t let…”
“Let this be the first and only time.” I winked at her and turned my attention to the dishes.
Once the dishes were done and I was ready to leave, Mrs Saxton said worryingly “I didn’t it was so late.”
We looked out the window and it was pitch black. I shrugged “I don’t mind walking in the dark.”
“We’re too far into the woods. You can get lost.”
“I can take him.” Offered Ally “I know the way to Tom’s.”
“You’re not going anywhere young lady.” Mr Saxton said “The rituals would have started by now.”
“Rituals?” I asked “I thought Ally made them up to scare me.”
“I wish.” Said Ally
“No choice. The boy has to stay here tonight.” Mr Saxton said. His tone of voice clear he was unhappy about the outcome.
“We’ve only got one room and that’s yours.”
“He will have to sleep on the floor.”
“I’m happy with that.” I said
Mr Saxton glared at me and I wish I could step back.
“You will not sleep next to my daughter or near her. You will sleep next to the farthest wall from her. Understand?”
“Yes sir.”
“Ally will get your blanket. My wife and I are of to bed. Good night.”
Ally and I watched them leave the room and I released the breath I didn’trealise I was holding.
“He’s little overprotective.” Ally said, shrugging.
We went into the sitting room and I helped Ally pull out the sofa bed. While I dealt with the duvet, she went to get a blanket.
“The thickest blanket in the cabin.” Said Ally and she handed me the blanket.
It was thick and soft. I felt uncomfortable using it because I was taking it
away from either Ally or her parents.
“You’re sleeping under the window. It’s pretty cold around there.” Ally nodded to the back wall and I saw an open window.
Sighing, I went over and laid the blanket down. Ally threw her pillow to me and I noticed it was the only one. I was going to protest but Ally came over and wrapped her arms around my waist.
“I’m used to sleeping without a pillow.” She said “Besides the guest always come first.”
She stood on her tiptoes and our lips touched. My eyes closed and I felt like I could collapse. She pulled away and winked at me. She left the room and I sighed deeply. What was it about this girl? Ignoring the question, I laid on the floor and allowed sleep to come.
****
In the morning I saw I wasn’t the only one up early. Ally wasn’t in the room. A cold wind entered the window and I shivered. Pulling the blanket off, I stood and straightened out my clothes. Knowing I should get back and not wanting to disturb the parents, I quietly left the cabin.
The crow was sitting on a branch opposite and I waited to hear her voice. When it didn’t come, I headed back to my Uncle’s. On the way there I tripped over something and fell flat on my face.
I felt someone shaking me and I refused to opened my eyes. Because I did the shaking got harder. I moaned.
“Come on boy, wake up.” He said loudly. When I didn’t respond he said “For heaven sakes boy! Wake up!” There was no sign of worry in his voice, just annoyance.
Knowing I didn’t have much choice I opened my eyes. There was Uncle Tom looking at me with angry eyes. A small pain shot through my upper leg and I tried to shut the scream that wanted to escape. Uncle Tom let go of my shoulders and my back hit the stone path. I squinted my eyes shut as I felt more pain.
“Was getting’ worried about’ ya.” Said Uncle Tom “You’re never this late.”
“Sorry.” I said “Would’ve come back last night but…”
“Las’ night? What ya talkin’ about boy?”
I opened my eyes and saw him confused. If he was confused, so was I.
“Isn’t today the first of November?” I asked
He shook his head “It’s the 30th of October boy. That fall mess with ya head it did.”
I sat up on my elbows and stared at Uncle Tom. Who had the date wrong?
“Uncle Tom, do you know a girl called Ally Saxton?”
“No, should I?”
“She lives here with her parents.”
“I’m the only one who lives here boy. Listen to ya! Dreaming up a girl. Honestly. Better get ya to the cabin. Clean that scrap and give ya a bath. Come on.”
Uncle Tom stood up and held his hand out. I allowed him to help me up. He started walking as soon as I was on my feet. I looked around. The crow was sitting on the branch of the silver birch and when I looked down, I saw her. She was standing behind the tree and waved at me. I smiled at her and once I blinked she was gone. I began to wonder if she was a dream after all.
“Ya comin’?” Shouted Uncle Tom.
I nodded and followed him back to the cabin.
The end.