Chapter Text
Raelle could feel soft lips, hear a soothing voice reverberating in her ears. Each morning she dreamt of a tide, a figure emerged, walking into the morning sun. She was left standing alone on the beach watching the sun rise leaving coontail, star duckweed, and rock sediments to wash over her bare feet.
She awoke from a dream, her eyes stared at the ceiling. Get up Raelle. She needed to get out of bed, and get her ass up the mountain. Raelle was leaving today to spend at least the next year with her mom. Willa was the new general manager of the Lake Arrowhead Resort, they were starting renovations in the winter and Raelle started working for the company who was creating the new design. She felt proud to put her Art Center degree to work, and have the chance to spend time with her mom.
“Rae, do you need any help up there?” She heard Edwin, as she finished packing. She needed a new start, needed to leave a few bad habits behind.
“No dad, I’m good I’ll be right down.” She looked at herself in the bathroom full length mirror, “Here we go,” and headed down the stairs ready for what awaited her next. She threw her few suitcases in the truck and hugged her dad goodbye, “I love you dad.”
She got in her truck, rolled down the window and heard. “I’ll see you before you know it kiddo.” Edwin smiled and waved Raelle goodbye in the distance. She was off to Lake Arrowhead, she dreamed this year away from the city would help her focus on the next chapter of her life.
The drive was about 5 hours and it was the morning of July 3rd . She expected to hit more traffic as she pulled into the resort valet. It was her first time back at the lake since she was just a kid. Lake Arrowhead was a small mountain town, population 15,000 people. The lake itself was surrounded by multi-million-dollar mansions occupied by Hollywood celebrities, and business tycoon families. The boat tour could tell you that Lucille Ball, Sammy Hagar, and even Shirley Temple had a home there. Other than celebrities, business tycoon families: Goodyear, Winchell Donuts, and Arco all had vacation homes facing the lake. The resort was tucked away in the forest – the lake the focal point. Raelle was now surrounded by fresh air, wildlife, tall aromatic pine trees, and local townspeople - it felt like a whole new world and it welcomed change.
The summer by the lake, what could be better she thought. She knew her mom could really use the help and her experience talking with contractors and the like. When Raelle walked through the electric telescopic sliding door she was impressed with the woodsy décor. The large elk horn chandelier hanged from a high dark wood beam ceiling -it was a sight to see. It was centered in the lobby, which also showcased a large rock fireplace, sure to keep you warm during the winter. She was very impressed with the clear glass floor to ceiling wine display, showcasing bottles from vineyards all up the California coast. She was happy for her mom; this place was special.
Before Raelle got to the check-in counter, she was greeted by a woman named Tally. Her large brown eyes, warm and welcoming, “Hi there, and welcome to the Lake Arrowhead Resort.”
“Hi,” Raelle said carefully, “I’m Raelle Collar.”
“Collar, oh! It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Tally Craven. I run all our corporate events and weddings here at the resort. Your mom told me you were coming, so I’ve been keeping an eye out for you. No need to go to the front desk, I’ll get your key so you can settle in.”
Tally handed her a key card, “Your mom is in meetings but will meet you in the restaurant for a late lunch at 2:30pm.”
“Okay great, thank you.”
“Also, since you are new in town, there’s a concert tonight at the Tudor House if you’re free?”
Raelle hesitates for a second but reminds herself to be social. “Yes, I’m free.”
Tally hugs her, “Great, meet me down here at 9pm.”
Raelle got to her room looking at her watch – it read 12:48pm - and threw herself on the bed. The room was slightly worn, needed an upgrade, but that is why she was here to help oversee the renovation. She started taking notes based solely on the room. There is a thin line between woodsy rustic and hermit cabin in the woods. When she stepped out onto the porch, she was amazed at the private lake view, it was magnificent. The afternoon sun skated across it, leaving warm hues all over as it sparkled, a swaying crowd of blue, it was a sight to see. She daydreamed of her new lake life - kayaking, camping, biking, water skiing, but also drinking bourbon by the fire, learning the types of shrubbery, truly enjoying each season. She got lost in her thoughts, until she heard a knock on her.
“Mom!” Raelle was delighted to see her.
“Hi sweetie, my meeting ended early. Are you ready for lunch?”
~~~*~~~
She was so happy to have this time with her mom, they had missed time to make up for. She wanted to support her in this new endeavor. When you reach a certain age, you realize your parents are just people, like you, trying to figure shit out. After lunch her mom gave her a tour of the resort. She was introduced to almost all the staff, everyone so friendly and excited to hear her ideas on the lodge.
“The resort has over 400 rooms, multiple event spaces, 3 outdoor pools, 2 restaurants, with one being fine dining and an afterhours lounge. Below you will see a private beach only for hotel guests and a private dock for boat owners. You have to live on the lake to have a boat permit, not only in the town but around the lake, it’s wild.”
Raelle listened to her mom, hearing the excitement in her voice. She could tell she had given this tour many times, and even had the jokes down to a tee, but it was great seeing her mom so happy. They went down to the private dock. Raelle was astonished by the new luxurious homes built along the edge of the lake. All so unique in their architectural design.
One home in particular caught her eye. It was almost directly across from the resort. It looked to be the largest, towering over their neighbors, a beautiful flag flew in the wind from the roof with symbols Raelle couldn’t quite place. “Wow, do you know who lives there?”
“The Ramshorn family. Old money, I think. They fly the flag letting their presence be known. They have had that home for generations, and it seems to keep getting bigger. You’d think they would like their privacy, but their all-glass windows really puts them on display. They have a daughter a little older than you, they must be here for the summer.” They both spot the family walking out onto the third-floor deck.
Raelle can hardly make her out, the sun is strong but seeing her makes her heartbeat faster. The mysterious daughter places her hands on the deck railing looking out over the lake, is she staring at them? Raelle feels her blood pulsing in her veins. The figure turns as if hearing someone calling her and disappears into the house.
Willa looks over to Raelle, “C’mon there is more to see.”
“Right…” is all Raelle can get out before they continue their tour.
~~~*~~~
Raelle can’t decide on an outfit, clothes are now strewn all around the room. She questions everything she tries on. In her haste to leave this morning she didn’t think to plan going out clothes even if it was only to a small local venue. She would have to ask her dad to send more things, as her suitcase was spilling out work clothes and beach clothes. She settled on a pair of black jeans, a faded white cotton tee, and her signature black bomber jacket, with a mixed chain necklace.
You can take the girl out of city…
Tally’s mouth dropped upon seeing Raelle reach the lobby.
“Well look at you.”
“Is this okay?” Raelle asked shyly.
“Yes, it’s perfect. I’m glad you have a jacket; we are walking, and it gets chilly at night.”
Raelle realized she didn’t know if this was a date, how could she be so stupid.
“We are meeting my boyfriend, Gregorio and his college friends there; it will be nice for you to meet a few new people”
Oh thank god.
Raelle liked Tally already, she was kind, welcoming, and Raelle could already tell they would be great friends. She felt like she could trust her, and was a welcome change to the girls she knew in the city.
They reached The Tudor House, cascading warm yellow lights hung throughout the woods, the ambiance elevated the entire landscape. It was larger than she expected, and now she was so excited to hear the acoustics.
“After you,” Raelle said, letting Tally walk in first. Inside it looked like half dinner theater, half concert hall. Pop hits played through the speakers while the audience waited for the band to come on stage. The place was surprisingly packed with locals and tourists alike.
“Who’s playing?” Raelle asked curiously.
Tally had to somewhat shout over the noise, “They are called Morgan’s Whisper. Gregorio’s friend Adil, his girlfriend Abigail, is the drummer.”
“Oh cool.”
Gregorio snuck up on them, putting his arms around Tally “Hey gorgeous” He seemed nice enough. Raelle learned he graduated from USC, but was more excited about the beers he brought over.
Tally grabbed one from him, handing it to her, “Hope you like beer Raelle.”
“Beer is great, thank you.” It was 5174 craft beer, local and refreshing.
The pop music faded as the lights dimmed. The crowd started to cheer as the band came on stage. First the drummer, causing a whistle from Adil. The bassist, a lead guitarist, and then walking out in a shimmering silver tank top came the lead singer…
A burst of energy shot through Raelle as her eyes were mesmerized at the dark brunette, blue eyed goodness on stage. She felt her jaw drop as she watched the singer wrap her hands around the microphone, her voice, silky smooth, soothing the crowd as she started to sing.
Tally noticed Raelle’s reaction, leaning into her, “That’s Scylla, Scylla Ramshorn, she’s somewhat of a local celebrity here at Lake Arrowhead.”
Raelle felt weightless, like she was being carried away, the whole room blurring around her. A spotlight shining from the heavens, making sure Raelle didn’t let this moment pass her by. The moment when Scylla’s eyes fell right on her.
I wish I found you sooner
Scylla walked off the stage as the band began an instrumental interlude, and walked right towards Raelle, coming a few inches from her face. Raelle could feel the room turn to look at them. Scylla gripped the collar of her bomber jacket, leaning in whispering “I like your jacket, can I?” close to her ear. Raelle nodded with a stutter, “Yea yea…” Scylla tugged for the jacket, Raelle helped her by gracefully letting it fall down her body, she caught it, the cool air gave her goosebumps as she handed it to Scylla.
“Thanks” she said, slipping it on as she walked backwards not losing Raelle’s gaze before she turned and headed back to finish the set.
I could have loved you longer
~~~~*~~~
When the set ended, the lights fade to black.
Raelle stood still, then she felt Tally’s hand grab hers leading her to the bar. Again, Tally is the best hostess and introduced Raelle to everyone. The band had already joined them, and that’s when she saw her jacket talking with the bartender. She lightly tapped on Scylla’s shoulder to get her attention.
“Hey”
Scylla spins around, seeing Raelle, “Hey yourself, I was hoping you would find me.”
“Well, I couldn’t help but notice your jacket.”
“Oh yea, what’s your name?
“Collar, Raelle Collar” she said nervously, mixing up her first and last name.
“Okay Mr. Bond, I’m Ramshorn, Scylla Ramshorn.”
Raelle looks at her smiling.
“I love movies, what can I say. So Raelle, what can you offer me for this jacket?
“The jacket you took?”
“The jacket you so willingly gave to me, in front of everyone. I have a room full of witnesses.” She says, still smiling at Raelle.
Tally comes up between them, “Hey Scylla, I see you’ve met Raelle. She’s staying at the resort helping her mom with the restoration.”
“So, you’re here all summer?” Scylla asked, she hasn’t taken her eyes off Raelle.
“I’m here all year, how about you?”
They are interrupted by Abigail, “Scyl are coming with us, we are all hitting the village if you want to come?”
Scylla interlaced her fingers with Raelles and lifted her eyebrow, “Not tonight, Raelle will you walk me home?”
Raelle is surprised by the quick contact and looks to Tally to make sure she will be ok getting back to the resort. She nods, “Have fun.”
~~~*~~~
Walking home to Scylla meant having her chauffeur drive them back on her small yacht. The driver took the long way back, circling the entire lake. The bottom lights of the boat illuminated the water around them. Raelle couldn’t help but admire Scylla as they stood at the top, she put her arms out, like she was flying, head flung back taking in the cool air.
“Are you having fun?” she asked.
Raelle was freezing, “Yea, this is a beautiful boat”
Scylla noticed the goosebumps on Raelle’s arm, it suddenly hit her she had her jacket.
“I think this jacket can keep us both warm,” Scylla said, opening the jacket.
Raelle walked to her, hesitant, but went for it. She slid her arms around Scylla’s waist, holding her close, feeling the jacket enclose around them. She’s so warm, smelling of black orchid, and a sweetness of the lake air.
They are face to face, “Mmm, your jacket smells like you,” Scylla said licking her lips.
They don’t move, staring at each other, as the boat approaches the resort. A wave of nervousness spreads through Raelle as they pull into the resort dock. Scylla tucks a few stray hairs behind Raelle’s ear. The intensity of the moment makes her step back.
Scylla notes Raelle's reacted, “Hey, do you have plans tomorrow?’
“Umm, no, I’ll probably be with my mom at the resort. Big holiday”
“Well, my family is having a BBQ on the 4th if you would like to come. It starts at 3pm and goes till whenever, bring your mom.”
Scylla takes off the bomber jacket, handing it to Raelle, “Thank you. Stay warm, it’s chilly out here at night. I hope to see a lot more of you Collar, Raelle Collar.”
The boat speeds away.
Raelle watches the waves crash against the dock. A cool breeze comes off the lake, she puts her jacket on it smells of black orchid and bergamot. Looking into the distance the Ramshorn dock light shines bright.
~~~*~~~
“How did you get an invite to the Ramshorn Independence BBQ?” Raelle’s mom looked curiously at her. This apparently was the event of the season in Lake Arrowhead, many out-of-towners came up, thankfully many staying at the resort.
“I met Scylla last night, she was performing at the Tudor House.” Raelle explained.
“She has quite the voice doesn’t she, a local celebrity up here.”
Raelle’s mom could only get a few hours away on such a busy day, but she was dying to see the inside of the Ramshorn estate. At the gate they gave their names, which caused Raelle such anxiety, but thankfully her name was on the list. Easy Peasy she thought, sighing in relief to herself.
It was a luxurious lakefront mansion with panoramic lake views on every level. Not only was it the tallest lakefront home in all of Lake Arrowhead, but also sat on the largest plot of private land. Inside, the grand entryway led to a dining room with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the lake. The dining room was filled with a vast selection of appetizers and desserts. When they walked outside there were multiple grill areas stationed around a crystal pool, with red, white and blue decorations laid out tastefully all around the backyard. It was unlike anything they had ever seen.
Raelle kept her eyes out for Scylla, who she had yet to find in the crowd. She was glad her mom could network, many seeming very interested in the renovation at the local resort. Raelle spotted her coming down the grand staircase. Of course. She was wearing a beautiful cream sundress, with a maroon and navy scarf around her neck. Clearly for the holiday but with a color shade spin.
“Raelle, you made it” noticeably happy to see her.
Willa came up at the perfect time. “Hi, this is my mom Willa, she runs the resort across the lake.”
“Hi, Ms. Collar, it's so nice to meet you. I’m Scylla Ramshorn”
“Aren’t you polite, Raelle told me she saw you sing last night. You know we would love to have you sing at the resort.”
“I would love that. Please enjoy the food, if you need a ride back to the resort, my chauffeur at the dock can take you back in a jiffy. It was lovely meeting you.”
And she was gone.
“I’ve never seen her up close, she is stunning.” Willa blurted out. Raelle didn’t say a thing. They walked through the party, Willa taking in the experience and eating as much as she could before returning to the lodge knowing she had a very stressful night ahead of her. As she waited on the dock for the private boat, she told Raelle, “I’m so happy you’re here. I really hope you will come to the resort deck and watch the fireworks, like you did as a little girl. It would really mean a lot to me and it’s going to be quite the show.”
“Will do Mom, see you tonight.” Raelle called out as her mom boarded the boat.
Raelle went to the drink station and filled her glass at the champagne fountain. She found a spot on the balcony overlooking the lake, she could see the resort in the distance. She started imagining how beautiful it could be. Her mind started to wonder…until familiar fingers intertwined with hers.
“There you are.” She heard Scylla’s voice.
She turned to see her, “Oh, hey”
“Are you having a nice time, I can show you the rest of the house if you like?”
Scylla led them back into the main room, “There is a gym, steam shower & dry sauna… on the main floor”, this made Raelle laugh.
“Why don’t you show me your favorite room?”
“Well one of my favorite rooms is what we call the gentleman's sports bar and lounge it’s somewhat of game room,” Raelle's eyes lit up when they walked in. It was the most exquisite game room she had ever seen, poker tables, darts, pool, foosball, and air hockey all laid out perfectly. A built-in wet bar, across from a wine cellar with a private entrance. It was all so grand.
“Would you like to play a game? Scylla asked.
Raelle is surprised but, “Sure, why not”
“How about pool, mixed with a little truth or dare? Whomever sinks a ball asks the question.”
Raelle called solids. She sinks *5 solids* before having the chance to ask, she hears, “Truth.”
Raelle looked up from the table, “Is it true… that you’re like a local celebrity up here?”
Scylla stares right at her, smirks, “I’m just me, my family comes up every season, it’s our escape but we do have quite the reputation, don’t we?”
“I wouldn’t know,” Raelle speaks truthfully, making Scylla smile.
Scylla sinks *13 stripes* “Truth or Dare Raelle?”
“Truth”
“Are you really only out here to help your mom, a year away from your personal life sounds like a lot?”
Raelle leaned against the wall thinking this is a loaded question. “I’m up here for many reasons. Before I graduated from the Art Center, I was offered an independent study in Oxford for a few months, and that led me into some trouble when I came back. I graduated in the spring and my parents divorced, and I haven’t gotten to spend a lot of time with my mom since. Now my company is working on the remodel. I’m hoping we can build our relationship back.”
“That’s very sweet of you”
Raelle sinks *3 solids* “Truth or Dare?”
Scylla chooses Truth.
Raelle walks around the table, thinking of a good question, “A girl like you, do you have any regrets?”
Scylla looks at Raelle, “A girl like me huh, only one.”
“Oh yea?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes, not kissing you last night on the boat.” The answer turns Raelle’s cheeks a brighter shade of red.
Scylla sinks *12 stripes* Raelle has no interest going deeper into her past and blurts out, “Dare.”
Scylla lifts herself up and sits on the pool table, crossing one leg over the other, and taps her chin with her index finger.
“Hmmm. I dare you to come a little closer.”
There is that wave of nervousness again, but Raelle takes a few steps, “this close?”
“I’ll tell you when to stop.” Scylla says leaning forward.
Raelle treads lightly, stopping only a few feet away from Scylla whose dress noticeably shows more skin as she uncrosses her legs wrapping them around Raelle hips. Raelle rests her palms on the pool table. Their faces are mere inches apart. Scylla’s hand goes to hold Raelle’s cheek, the warmth making her nuzzle into her hand, “Scylla.”
“Come closer,” Their lips meet slowly, the taste of expensive champagne and the smell of black orchids overtake Raelle. She closes her eyes as Scylla pulls her in deeper. Raelle breaks their kiss, lifting herself up, laying Scylla down on the soft green felt, pausing a moment, hovering above Scylla.
BANG. A firework goes off in the distance.
Scylla fists Raelle’s shirt, the fabric wrinkling in her grip as she pulls her down for a passionate kiss. Raelle’s hand slides up her thigh, leaning in to kiss her neck, breathing in black orchid and bergamot. The room dims around them as the sun starts to set.
BANG. Another firework goes off in the distance.
Raelle pulls her hand away sitting up, “Shit, we can’t miss the show.”
Scylla tightens her legs around her, “It’s only the pre show. I can give you quite a show right here.” She says unbuttoning Raelle’s shirt.
Raelle really shouldn’t be doing this, “Scylla…wait.”
Scylla immediately stops. She lays on the pool table, catching her breath, and feels like she messed up, “Is everything ok, is this too fast?”
Raelle’s body was ready but not her heart. She wasn’t ready to get into why she really left the city, only her mom knew the full extent of it. As she looked at Scylla, this person who made her feel again, she didn’t want to scare her away, not this soon.
She extended her hand, “Will you come back with me, I hear this town puts on quite a show?”
“Of course I’ll come with you, let me grab a bottle from the cellar for later.”
Scylla grabs a bottle of Chateau Margaux and they speed off across the lake…
~~~*~~~
Willa sees them standing on the wooden deck extension overlooking the lake. The fireworks fly in the sky, sparks filling the lake with light – BANG – colors come alive above them. She sees Raelle with Scylla, holding hands, she smiles wanting her daughter to be happy. She wants her to stay up here with her, she’s missed her. When she divorced Edwin, it was sudden, she left, almost seemed to disappear. She left to follow her passions, to live for herself, her desires, she wanted more than the life he could give her.
“Hi Willa, great turnout tonight” Tally approached. She notices her staring at Raelle with Scylla. She put her hand on Willa’s shoulder to comfort her.
“Are you ok?” Tally says
“Raelle has been through a lot this past year…”
“Well she’s falling in with a good crowd,” Tally noticing her with Scylla.
The fireworks show ends after an incredible 15-minute finale, a musky smoke making it hard to see, like a mist it slowly clears over the lake.
Raelle notices Scylla still holding her hand, she feels a squeeze, “What would you like to do now, it is your first 4th up here?” Her blue eyes make Raelle ready to melt. She sees her mom waving at her from the deck with Tally before they both walk inside.
Scylla says, “You could show me around the resort?” lifting the bottle of wine by the neck, “After we can find a place by the fire to enjoy this.”
Raelle has protected her heart for a season, she’s cautious, but what’s wrong with having a little fun with the girl across the lake, she steps closer to Scylla, “or I could just show you my room?”
“Lead the way.”
~~~*~~~
The summer is a whirlwind for Raelle. She is kept plenty busy with work, who needs her almost every day for the renovation meetings, as they want to start construction early. There are so many decisions to be made.
The only thing Raelle wants to be doing… is spending time with Scylla.
After their time together on the 4th of July, they became quite the town gossip. The city girl, and the heir to the Ramshorn fortune having a very public affair in Lake Arrowhead. Raelle didn’t mind the attention, she knows as quickly as these things start, they can end.
Raelle stood on the resort’s private dock every Friday night watching Scylla’s speedboat pull up. They could go wherever they wanted, and they did. She loved experiencing new things with Scylla. By the end of July, when it was warmest, Scylla would ask her to join her on the private beach around her home, her favorite activity being late night swims with the moon shining down on them.
Raelle would ask, “Do we need to be afraid of sharks?”
“Not at the lake,” she’d say with a smile.
“Or eels?”
“We aren’t in Love Actually. Relax, it’s just you and me.” She would say warmly with a laugh.
They would swim almost every Saturday night, things getting much more interesting in August, when Scylla would take her bathing suit off before they even got in the water. Raelle couldn’t help but swim up to her, feeling the heat radiating off her naked body in the cool lake. She would tease Raelle saying, “I’m not that kind of girl, Raelle Collar '' when clearly, she was, as she untied Raelle’s top throwing it into the sand. They would swim, and kiss, and afterwards let the steam wash away the lake in the exquisite shower Raelle had first heard about on her tour. But for Raelle it was sinking into Scylla’s bed on the weekends when her parents were away that she loved most, craved most, and would long for most.
She spent every weekend with Scylla… and every other night of the week Scylla was knocking lightly on her hotel room door for a night cap and a little more. Their summer was stolen kisses while making smores at the fire pit, secret glances during the evenings when the Ramshorns entertained, and longing stares when Scylla sang about love in the resort’s jazz lounge.
Labor Day was fast approaching, and their feelings only evolved, but neither would bring up the inevitable. Raelle had planned to build a fortress around her heart allowing it to heal during this year with her mom – she wanted the fibers and muscles, ripped and bleeding from her past, to grow strong. Instead, she only had a temporary chain link fence encompassing a heart masked with duct tape and staples. It had to be enough, because by the end of summer her heart was about ready to burst out of her chest.
Scylla laid her head on Raelle’s chest, not ready to fall asleep during their last night together. She propped up slightly, “Raelle, are you awake?”
Raelle rarely slept when Scylla was wrapped in her arms, feeling her warmth, how tranquil her breathing was, she wasn’t haunted by things the way Raelle was. The lights from the resort came through the balcony, a soft glow illuminating them, “Yea, I’m awake.”
Scylla started to twirl Raelle’s hair through her fingers, “Raelle, I’m really going to miss you.” The vulnerability in her voice pulled at Raelle.
Scylla took a moment gathering her words, “I won’t be back until the fall.”
Raelle counted the days in her head.
They never talked about what they would do when Scylla left, their last night together gripped and squeezed at her heart more than she liked. The duct tape and staples wouldn’t hold long, she couldn’t give it away still torn, not when a summer affair with the girl across the lake is nothing if not fleeting.
“and I can’t ask you to wait…”
Raelle could feel a dampness on her ratty night shirt. Scylla was crying. She wanted to comfort her and tell her, “I’ll wait for you, however long it takes…I’ll wait forever for you.” But this summer vulnerability wasn’t what Raelle could offer. She watched as those mesmerizing blue eyes started to fill with tears… “Don’t worry beautiful, you know where to find me when you come back.” It left them more casual, but it was all she could offer, rather than the promise Scylla was hoping to get but she understood and nodded letting her emotions spill. Raelle held back tears of her own and kissed Scylla, tasting her tears. It was a bittersweet kiss saying goodbye for now. She removed her own shirt, wanting nothing between them, and held Scylla tightly, surrendering and allowing herself to drift off to sleep. Breathing her in for the last time that season.
In the morning… on her desk she found a note from Scylla,
Raelle,
52 days…see you soon
All my love,
Scylla
~~~*~~~
Raelle walked down to the beach as the tide came in. She watched as coontail, star duckweed, and rock sediments washed over her bare feet. The Ramshorn flag no longer flew over the estate, the dock light barely visible through the morning fog. A painful reminder that the match inside her that caught fire in July, was now blown out.
She tried to let it go, but an enormous growing ache wouldn’t let go of her…until Fall.