Remnants — Episode 8

Near the top of the mountain, Eli’s gaze shifted from the darkening sky to the forest.

The family had come up in their motor home onto Witch Mettle Mountain, which was short as mountains go. It bordered on being labeled a tall hill, but it was only ten miles from town and gave the best lookout around.

Surprised that no others were there, they stood near the edge of the drop-off where trees didn’t block the view. Signs everywhere advised caution. Teenagers called it Lovers’ Leap, but none ever had.

“Oh my lord,” his mother exclaimed. “Look at that.”

Eli twisted to see his mother holding one hand to her mouth, her other arm extended high. He stared up at what seconds ago had been a glittery ball with a long tail like a kite on fire.

He gasped. It had turned into a sky full of smaller, brighter lights that were now separating from one another. His mouth dropped open.

“We gotta go,” his father said. Eli and his mother turned to him. “These woods,” he said. “There’s only the one way down.”

Eli wasn’t sure what that meant, but goosebumps raced up his arms and his shoulders shuddered like a shut-off automobile engine refusing to die. He looked toward their motor home then at the tall firs that surrounded the overlook’s oval parking area.