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“No one comes to visit. The last date of death I’ve seen is over eighty years ago. I’m not permitted to remove the graves or stones but other than that, there are no regulations. It was abandoned and buried in honeysuckle when I bought the property.”
A few honeysuckle bushes still sit at the far edge, lush and blooming. “You keep it up well,” I remark, letting my fingertips trail over the top of a stone as we pass.
“Thank you. Just staying on the good side of the undead so they’ll spare me when they rise.”
“I’m going to need you to stop with the undead talk once it’s dark.”
He glances down at me, a small smile inching across his face. “Are you superstitious?”
“No, but I’m not typically hanging out with dead folks at night.”
“They aren’t bad company if you don’t mind doing all the talking.”
There’s no fence around the graveyard but a hill on the far side forms a natural boundary. My legs burn a little as we climb but it’s worth it when we crest the top, and the sky stretches out before us in brilliant shades of purple and pink.
“Oh wow.”
He nods, his gaze on the horizon. “Best spot to watch the sunset. Or just sit by the fire.”
I tear my attention away from the sky to take in the stone ringed bonfire pit that’s surrounded by chairs on three sides. On the fourth, a large log provides more seating. A pile of firewood waits a few yards away.
“Why not put your firepit closer to your house?”
“Stay until the stars come out and you’ll see,” he says, gesturing to the sitting area.
I perch on the edge of the log while he pulls a couple of split chunks of firewood from the pile and arranges them inside the stone circle. Tucking some kindling around them, he lights it, and sits a couple of feet away from me.
No words are spoken as we watch the pastel sky deepen to burgundy. It’s not an awkward silence, just the opposite. I’m content to sit here and take in the view, smell the thick scent of wood smoke, and enjoy the tranquility. It feels like we’re so far away from everything. From everyone and every problem I’ve ever had.
The clouds begin to clear as the last of the color fades to black, letting the stars burst across the sky like a handful of thrown glitter. Arlow was right. He chose the perfect spot. With the edge of the forest far away on all sides, we have an unobstructed view. It’s stunning, giving me an urge to lie in the grass and stare up for hours.
When I glance over at him, he’s looking at me. “Okay, I get it. It’s definitely worth a nighttime journey through a graveyard.” The flames light up his modest smile and it hits me again how distinctly gorgeous the man is.
“You should explore the graves in the daytime. It’ll feel less alien and scary. Get familiar with the place when it doesn’t seem so ominous.”
His voice is like honey dragged through ground glass. Deep and soothing but coated with grit. He uses it so softly. It’s calming.
“I’m still getting accustomed to being surrounded by a forest and bugs that look like they’ve come into contact with nuclear waste.”
“Where are you from?”
“Indianapolis. What about you?” His lack of a southern accent makes it clear he isn’t from here either.
He picks up a thick stick that’s propped nearby to shift the logs in the fire. “Northern Illinois. A small town not far from Chicago. Are you here to attend the AG college or do you have family here?”
“Neither. I’m not here for school or a job or anything. I just wanted a change. I’ve always lived in cities. Indy, then Cincinnati for a bit. I found an online ad for the cabin, and it looked like a nice place. Peaceful.”
His eyebrows rise, his head tilting a tiny bit as he regards me. “You picked up and relocated to a random town where you didn’t know anyone?”
“It’s crazy, right? I promise I’m not a wanted fugitive. My crime spree in your orchard was a first offense.”
His chuckle matches his voice. Soft and deep. “More adventurous or brave than crazy, I’d say.”
“That sounds better than restless and impulsive so let’s go with that. How did you end up here?”
“I was living in Paducah for a while and looking to move somewhere more rural. My friend Lee lives nearby, and he told me the property was up for sale. Do you like it here so far?”
“I do. It’s beautiful and quiet. There’s been some culture shock but the people I’ve met have been kind.”
