27 CHAPTER 27

"I need to ask the Sheriff something before we leave town," Nick said and disappeared inside, leaving me outside on the sidewalk. Today was a little warm, so I decided to wait for him on the bench next door in front of the general store instead of going inside.

It was early afternoon and although the shops were still open most of them, with the exception of the bar and grill, weren't all that busy, and except for a man sitting on the bench in front of the hotel, the street was mostly empty. Across the street, there was a small park with some playground equipment next to the barbershop, and I watched the kids as they played on the swings and jungle gym.

It's hard to believe that it's only been a few years since I was so that young and carefree. I know that I'm only seventeen, but sometimes it feels like the last year has been ten instead of one. I yawned and leaned back on the bench. It's so relaxing sitting here in the sunshine that I could almost go to sleep.