Elliot walked to the tree in the back corner of his land. He’d come here to think, to relax, to unwind. He enjoyed the view. As he came closer, he saw her. Under his tree. Enjoying his special place.

He paused, watching her. She turned slightly in the breeze, looking up, admiring the sunset. Elliot moved closer. Before he knew it, he had come beside her, and touched her shoulder with his hand.

She jerked, gasped, and turned toward him. Beautiful was the only word to describe her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you”

She backed away. “Who are you? What are you doing here?”

“Elliot. And this”, he waved his hand, “belongs to my family.”

“Oh. I didn’t know. I’ll leave.”

She turned from him but not fast enough. He grabbed her arm. “Wait. Don’t leave. Tell me your name.”

Continue reading at Out of the Shadows