The Couple's Bond

They slowly paddle down river showing no signs of rushing. There are just two of them on their green canoe. A small wooden platform was built into the back where a trolling motor sits, unused. Sunlight rips through the trees casting light shadows over there area giving some reprieve from the intensity of direct heat. They’re smiling and talking animatedly although, quietly. They’re respecting the silence of nature and not imposing their own reality upon the ecosystem. The man, a lanky blond with a matching beard and kind eyes, wearing short tan trunks and a light blue long sleeve fishing shirt, leans forward and points to something while chatting with his partner in crime. She is also blonde and has kind eyes but there is more power behind the looks she gives, her smile is bright and beautiful, she wears a two piece bathing suit and leans forward to grab a box for him. It is a tackle box. 

He rummages through it getting himself set up while she gently keeps the canoe on track and out of limbs way. Before long he begins his hunt for fish. Being in a canoe going down river makes his task more difficult but he displays skills and experience and is careful not to rock the boat. Strategically he places his lure where he wants it to go, teasing the fish below with subtle jerks and taunts for realism. There is a monotonous aspect to his casting and the noise blends in with the surroundings. Cast out, reel in, cast out, reel in, cast out, reel in. 

She begins getting herself comfortable, moving butt pads and lifejackets around. She soon sets up what she wants and props herself cross-legged on the seat with arms stretched to her knees, two fingers touched in a obvious meditative position. She sits still and masters her breathing. 

The couple float on in silence, each lost in their own world yet together in unison. The energy their exuding meshes with the nature all around them in perfect harmony. They are a part of the scenery now and now just intruders. The man continues his pursuit for fish and casts a few times more. He says something to the woman who answers with a slight nod. The man smiles and casts a few more times and once again says something to the woman who, once again, answers with a slight nod. Grinning even more the man begins to cast for another set and talks to the girl again. She whirls around throwing the sunblock at him and gives him a look of knives for continually disturbing her meditation. He rears back chuckling and catches the sunblock then blows her a kiss. She in turn squints her eyes at him daring him and turns around to get back to her thoughts. Although she gave him a look, she is hiding a subtle smile on her face. This is a game they play often and the affection is palpable around the mischief. 

It’s plain to see this couple have been together for a while, each highly comfortable with the other with experienced interactions. As they go on around the bend, they are silent and he is paddling. The woman continues her trance in the front of the canoe, the man stops periodically to cast a few times before they disappear. 

I envy them. Their closeness is a dream of which I search for in every relationship yet rarely do I get it. And if I do, it does not last for long. I am grateful the couple was still so in love with each other despite their familiarity. If either of them were unhappy or bored they would have noticed me watching from the shadows in my own canoe. That would have sparked some curiosity. Some that I don’t wish to experience since my own closeness with my partner resulted in me stabbing him in his jugular a few times shortly before they came into view. We didn’t have that bond like the couple. He didn’t know to think before he spoke. He didn’t get a second chance. 

A Spring Welcome

A Spring Welcome

It was an early spring day back then when it should have been colder than it was but the sun blessed us with warmth and sweet talkings of upcoming weather. The snow was driving everyone in town crazy being holed up for a month and a half. It was no surprise to see everyone out enjoying the day with the biggest smiles we’d worn this year. Some more than enthusiastic kids sported shorts and t-shirts but the rest of us had on standard pants and a light jacket or long-sleeved shirts; when the wind came through, it whipped you with the cold still. It was best to lounge in the sun and soak up the warmth like a rock. Several people were singing along to jovial tunes to keep up with the energy, which made the town a little busy out. It was hard to get annoyed by it though, everyone was so happy. 

Despite the cheer, the crowd was too much and I wanted to spend my time taking it all in someplace where I could hear myself think. So I booked it down the southern roads to avoid the chillier winds of the northern mountain. I didn’t have a secret spot to hide out but there were enough hilly fields to plop a butt and enjoy it all. I’d packed a blanket and some snacks to keep me happy for a while. I didn’t want to drag myself back up there to eat later. Several people had the same idea and we waved, but it was clear we all wanted our own spot so we took different directions and eventually settled far enough apart that we couldn’t hear each other. 

I laid out and soaked up the sun like it was money going in the bank. It was the perfect temperature to relax and I even dozed off for a few. The birds were in full orchestra mode giving us the show of the year so far. It was natures perfect lullaby and alarm depending on the cadence they chose. I spotted a doe and her fawn wondering in the distance doing the same thing we all were. Not a living soul wanted to miss out on this opportunity. I looked around to see what else was out to play when I fell in love. 

The most beautiful girl was running towards me. Her brunette hair waving with the movement and turning to gold in the sunlight. She wore a a white linen blouse with aged blue jeans from years of adventures. It was as if time slowed down while she ran to me; I stared with intensity of another gift of Nature. Her name was Kris and she was quite the talk of the town in many circles since she tended to go off on journeys without telling many people about it. She’d stumble back into town with a souvenir and a tall tale to turn our heads. She scared some people off with her bravery and brazened attitude but that same combination made her attractive to others. I was one of the others. I’d spent many a hour daydreaming about us being together and going on adventures and creating our own stories to tell folks. I couldn’t believe my luck today. How had she known I was here?

I sat up more and started to wave and smile taking full advantage of the situation. She enthusiastically waved back at me! She really was there to see me! I figured I’d stand up to greet her properly when she got to where I was, which wouldn’t be too long since she was sprinting towards me. I got half way up when a bloodcurdling scream tore through me. I snapped up to find what shut every bird up around me. It didn’t take long to find. Every ounce of heat I’d gathered drained out of my body in an instant. I couldn’t feel the warmth or happiness from the sun anymore. 

A grizzly bear had charged out of the woods and reached Kris. I stood in horror as it ripped off her right leg. She screamed again but not in terror but in heart wrenching pain. It was a scream of lunacy; she was pleading for mercy and death. The grizzly did not accept. It slashed her back fervently and she hit the ground without another sound. The bear then bent down and took a quarter chunk out of her torso. Her blood sprayed over the field sparkling in the sunlight and painting the grass with globs of red. My stomach turned and bile rose to my mouth. I was completely frozen where I stood, watching this animal devour this girl. I suddenly realized Kris wasn’t running and waving to come spend time with me in the sun but instead was running away from the grizzly and waving her arms to warn me. I was a lovestruck fool. 

I took a step back. The bear registered my movement and looked up at me. The energy turned electric and I knew I was a goner. I’d end up just like Kris. A devastating painting of death and desperation to remain ignorantly out of the circle of life. The bear let out a roar so loud the birds took off from the trees. It jumped up and down on its front legs not only intimidating me but smashing Kris further and further to shreds. Her blood was all over its face and front paws. Even from this distance I saw the deadly claws gleaming in liquid of the massacre. I’m not embarrassed to admit that my bladder lost control and I dribbled down my leg some. As if my weakness was the cue to charge, the bear took off towards me. His sudden burst of energy shocked me out of myself and took off running. I let everyone ounce of energy I had be split between my legs and my lungs. I screamed so loud for help I didn’t care how it sounded. I so desperately wanted someone to hear me but I didn’t have hopes of getting away. 

It wasn’t the best plan since I wore out faster after dispensing that force, and the bear was immensely faster than I was from the beginning. He was on me before I got my third scream into the air. I didn’t once turn around to check his progress but I knew he was there the moment my face smashed into the ground. I’d taken a step and never made contact with the ground. In the offset balance, I tumbled down and rolled. For a split second I didn’t register what had happened. But that didn’t last long. The pain surged through my body with an impact I didn’t expect. Things don’t ever feel the way you think they will. The bear had swiped my leg out from underneath me like he did Kris. He hadn’t taken the whole thing but my right leg was only attached by some strands of muscle and flesh from the front. The entire back end was disconnected; even the bone. Blood rushed out of me like a fountain as I rolled over face my fate. 

The bear reared upwards letting out another bloody victorious roar and I knew that was it. I’d be seeing Kris very soon. Maybe we’d even get to talk about our gruesome demise and have that story in common now. I’d gotten my wish but not the way I’d expected to. 

“Would someone shut her up?”

“Huh? Who?”

“Grandma is mumbling to herself again! It’s driving me absolutely crazy! I’ve got to drive through this piss-poor weather and it’s hard enough to concentrate without hearing her mumble that damned story for the thousandth time!”

“Oh come on, you know we can’t stop it. Can’t you put headphones in?”

“No I can’t! Can’t she get passed a moment that happened fifty years ago!?”

“She’s scratching at her ghost leg now, so obviously not. How much further do we have to go? It sounds like she’s almost done telling herself.”

“Another few hours. Which isn’t bad but its the fifth time I’ve heard her mumble it on this trip!”

“You’re taking your stress out on her and we both know that’s not fair. She’s lost so many memories now, it’s no surprise…”

“That the one that stuck was such a traumatizing event. Yes I know! Bear ate girl she loved. Bear came after her. Bear took her leg. He screamed and accepted death. Hiker shot bear. Grandma survived. Blah blah blah! It’s just…I’m being an asshole, you’re right. This storm is not fun to drive in and I’ve only made the drive once before.”

“I know I know. I still think it’s a great story despite the horror of it. Grandma truly lived a wild life. I think it was that moment that led her to be so adventurous. She inspires me, too.”

“She definitely did some crazy unexpected things in her life.  Oh jeez, what is this!? Full traffic stop? Son of a bitch!”

Old Carl's Barn

    There was a barn on Old Carl’s land that was notorious for being haunted. You could call it a shed, and many of us did, but according to Old Carl it was a barn and we needed to mind our business. It’s not like we were mean about it or nothin, but it was pretty daggum small. You couldn’t even fit a tractor in there let alone the rest of necessary tools to run a farm. But Old Carl was particular about his barn. People in town used to talk about it; about how when he was younger, Young Carl, I’m assuming, was building the barn with expectations of grandeur. But was constantly picked on for how small it came out to be. How could a farmer make such a mistake? They picked on him all these years even though nobody alive saw him build it. Old Carl never talks about how it came to be; just insists it’s a barn. His absent truth of the matter is what drew all us kids to the sight. We concocted many a stories about it. 

    “I swear it musta been soma kind of aliens tryna be like us humans! They tried ta blend in but couldn’t even builda proper barn! I betcha Old Carl is a alien wrapped up in flesh!”

    “What if it’s just a fake? What if it goes deep deep into the earth! Like them Mole People!”

    “Maybe he has a butt ton of dead bodies down there! I bet he does! You aint never seen no smile on Old Carl’s face! He eva been happy?”

    “I bet he has a shrine in there of his dead wife! Going out there every day to pray to the Devil to bring her back! That’s why he won’t let none of us in there to see!”

    These stories went on and on. There was a nice little girl named Mellissa that could’ve been the only young one with a soft spot for Old Carl. She would say he was just picking on us and it was just a game, or that maybe he had dyslexia and got the numbers backwards making it half the intended size, or maybe his dad built it and it had sentimental value. Whatever any of us said, we never had no truth to the matter. We would sneak out there frequently on summer nights and camp a little ways away from Old Carl’s view and sneak around the barn but we never got too close. There were usually odd sounds coming from the inside that seemed to grow the closer we got. One time a new kid named Billy wanted to show off how cool and brave he was by walking up and peeking in that window but he took off running so fast afterwards that he had to chase him down. We never got no good answer to what he saw cause all he did was stutter and shake for near bout ten hours. He still has that daggum stutter to this day and that been like two years ago; any time we bring it up he clamps his trap shut and won’t speak a word of it. We left him alone, he stopped being fun after that night. 

    Something always bothered me about the barn that nobody else every talked about, if Old Carl was so adamant about that barn, why did he let it rot away? It was in no good shape to store nothing and was holding together by mere magic it seemed. Boards were falling off everywhere and there was a big hole in the side he tried to cover up with a old canoe and a screen door. Then there was the fact that the front door wasn’t even no door. It was a piece of wood leaned against the entrance from the inside. It was right peculiar. 

    We never did get no truth, like I said, but that was because Old Carl died a few days ago. None of the grown-ups wanted to tell us how he died though. They just said cause he was old, which makes as much sense to us kids. The night after the funeral we went out to Old Carl’s barn to camp out as a kinda goodbye. We neva made no fire when we used to go out there because Old Carl would start yellin at us to get off his property but this time we made one since he was gone. We brought hotdogs and s’mores stuff and some sodas and had a good time. We never did talk too much about the barn, though. It was as if we just was next to it and that was good enough. Some time in the early morning before the sun gets up, some time after midnight, we didn’t have no watch or nothin so I’m just guessin, but we was getting tired and began falling asleep we heard a knock from the barn. 

    It made every single one of us jump up and shake off our sleep. We all stared at the barn questioning what we heard. After a few minutes went by and no more sound, we all figured it was a raccoon or something and began to get comfortable again. The fire crackled here and there in kinda lullaby and we all started to drift to sleep. But once again, we heard a loud banging on the door except this time it went on for bout twice as long. I had a shiver go right down my spine. We looked at each other wondering what to do. One kid named Joey was already wrapping up his sleeping bag and got up to leave. We called him a wuss and other such names, of course, but deep down I think we was all jealous. We were all feeling nervous now. As we was sitting there throwing more wood on the fire to keep it big it started back up again. The whole barn started to bang from the inside! The table that was leaning against the boat fell over, the screen door slid down, and the boat even moved a bit. The glass in the window was shuttering like something was tryna get out! There was no light at all inside and we couldn’t even see inside. Someone suggested there must be an animal stuck inside and that we should knock down the door to let it out so it would leave us alone. It musta seen us from the window. The banging never stopped this whole time neither. It had been going on for about ten minutes before we stood up. The moment we got to our feet the noise stopped so we figured it must of been an animal. We marched our scared butts over to the barn and picked up a big stick on the way. We figured we’d knock the door down with the stick and then run away! Except none of us wanted to be the ones to knock down the door. 

    We decided to grab a broken tree branch instead so most of us had to hold it together, that way we did it as a team. We felt braver that way. The noise hadn’t come back yet which was good but we was still shaking with nerves. We counted from five. 

    Four.

    Three.

    Two.

    BAM! The door was burst down and a high pitch scream could be heard all around us. The worst part is, we wasn’t the one that knocked down the door! Something else done it! We dropped the tree branch and bolted like we was about to die! And that’s what it felt like! We took off to grab our sleeping bag and kept running! I looked back only one time. It’s hard to say it was accurate cause I was so scared but I swear I saw Old Carl laughing his butt off inside his barn. 

    We never went back to that land and nobody there that night ever talked about it with nobody but the ones that was there. We knew it weren’t no animal but had no proof so the grown ups would only brush us off. 

    The following year, some young couple moved in the house and started to fix it up. It was about three months since they moved in that we all heard the fire trucks headed that way. Of course we all got up to see what had happened. We saw it before we even got to the land. Old Carl’s barn was on fire. There was the wife sitting in the middle of the field with a empty look on her face but we could see there was blood all over her. Her dress was daggum near covered innit. She wasn’t even moving but she was holding a torch. The fire fighters put out the fire but found something truly awful inside the barn. Us kids looked each other again and shivered like it was yesterday we was camping that night. The woman’s husband was hung from the middle rafter of the barn with a smile carved into his face. There was also a ton of blood all over his clothes too. A girl next to me turned around and threw up. Parents started to shield us kid’s eyes, and rightly so! Suddenly, the wife saw the husband and started screaming! She ran towards the barn and tried to burn it down again. She kept screaming like it was a monster in that barn. It gave us all shivers of fear and we decided we couldn’t take it no longer. We went back home and battled nightmares for months. 

    The town wasn’t ever the same after Old Carl died. He never let us forget him, neither. 

Author's Note: After I finished writing this story, I noticed I'd forgotten to put my signature on the painting. Soon after painting that in, my cup of coffee was knocked over and enveloped the whole painting in liquid. Which is terrible for watercolor. But despite that, the barn is still clear and in tact. Old Carl get his revenge even to this day.