I Told You

I stood in the backyard, beyond the gazebo and sheltered by the tall aspens that bordered this side of Daniel’s property. I didn’t want anyone to see me, not yet. Though I knew Father would know about me, I wasn’t in a hurry to show myself to Daniel.

Or James. I couldn’t even think about what he’d already seen. Too much, that’s what.

With a shiver, I released the warmth. It shrank back into the secret part of my soul where I’d kept it protected for so long. I watched as the tendrils of color on my arms faded from view. Tracing a finger over my right arm, I sighed. The skin felt cold, but I remembered the heat of that golden light and already missed it.

I marched across the lawn, my steps only faltering a little as I passed the gazebo - as white and shining in the darkness as it had been that night. That night when I found them. Before I…

With a fierce shake of my head I forced the thought from my mind and continued toward the house.