River Grove: A Short Story

I stood in the bleak frosted air as Jim prepared to leave on his trip into Chester, the nearest city to our small town of River Grove. Silence filled the biting air, for it took much energy to speak on that cold January morning. Jim turned to me, solemnly staring into my eyes. His breath stained the thick air in front of him with a white cloud as he finally opened his mouth to speak. “Amelia, dear. I hate leaving you all alone, especially in these conditions.” Not only was he referring to the weather but also to the fact that a criminal, convicted for assault and robbery, was on the loose just a few miles from River Grove. “I’ll be alright, Jim. I’m fine, really,” I lied. Jim flashed a doubting look. “Amelia, you know how your mind

Where was he? Why wasn’t he making a sound? Luckily, I reached the kitchen safely, having seen no trace of him. I anxiously darted my eyes around the room and then stopped at a long object leaning up against the wall. Jim’s rifle! I desperately grasped the heavy weapon just as a creak reached my ears. Through the corner of her eye, I saw a slight movement; the curtain at the living room entrance creased and start to lift. I realized that it was then I must act. With all my might and ability, I lifted the rifle up to my shoulder and, in desperate defense, placed my finger on the trigger and—

“Stop!”

Surprise and shock struck my mind, freezing me in my aggressive position, my finger still trembling on the trigger. Slowly the shock faded and I managed to release my delicate grasp and bring the rifle down. My lips seemed deprived of moisture and my throat of air, but I managed a soft whisper:

“Deputy…Wilson?”

“Are you alright, Mrs. Morgan? You look pale. Why don’t you sit down?” The young deputy gently grabbed me just as my legs gave weigh. He carried me to the soft cushioned chair across the

“I’m sure I won’t be needing it, but thanks just the same. You be careful out in that snow.”

I shut the door behind him and was once again alone in the house. But this time, something was different. Everything looked so inviting. No longer did the creaks in the wood bother me or the pounding of the snow against the house send a chill down my spine. This was the first time in a long time that I felt no danger. I added another log to the fire and then, pulling up a chair, warming myself and dreamily gazing into the dancing flames.

My peaceful state was not broken, but just distracted by a knock at the door.

Who could that be? The deputy? Oh, maybe Jim’s back early! Whoever it is, he must be freezing out there!

In a relaxed manner, I walked over and, with my newfound bravery, opened the door, with a smile of confidence spread wide across her face.

As the soft, fluffy snow touched my face, my eyes met those of a large figure covered in snow. Despite that thick layer of snow and the darkness of the night, I was able to distinguish one plain thing: those are the brightest pair of glaring blue eyes and the most gruesome scar I have ever