Intruder

 

 Everyone was sound asleep, minding their own business, when it happened.

The quiet neighborhood erupted in blinding light and the raucous cacophony of powerful motors.

Diving for safety, the residents slowly and cautiously emerged, barely peeking out to see what was going on.

There was a crash, and all but the unlucky one disappeared again into the protection of the water.

On board the boat, the zoologist held up the gasping young gator to the camera, pointing out the reptile’s ancient attributes and congratulating himself for remaining safe yet victorious in this “gator-infested swamp”.

Also known as “their living room”.

Time

 

The land had held her tightly for over two decades, ever since the day she’d fallen in love with it.

It was Hope for a time when she could bring her family to it, after the bad times.

It was Joy at the building of a home and a homestead growing as quickly as their son.

The son grew up and moved away, as they do, and her husband died after a summer of one damn thing after another, and after that its hold loosened with each subsequent loss: gently, kindly, quietly, till one day…

It was time to go.