Sanctuary by E. Edgar Price
*****
Tyler watched the wolf race past him into the woods. Left Paw’s form disappeared into the shadows, but Tyler didn’t think the wolf had gone far. He caught glimpses of him here and there, just outside the tree line, ever since Sarah came back from the hospital. It worried him.
He didn’t trust the wolfman. Tyler wasn’t sure he trusted anyone, lately. It was like darkness was creeping up on them, surrounding them just out of sight. But Tyler didn’t want to get caught by surprise— he wanted to be ready when the shadows struck. He kept a sharp eye on his siblings, especially Sarah. He wished fervently that his mother was here, if only to tell him what to look out for, what to do.
Sighing, Tyler strode out of his hiding place amid the trees, hoping he looked nonchalant. He didn’t want Sarah to know he had been watching her.
She looked up as he approached, smiling tiredly.
“Pretty day, isn’t it?” she greeted him.
“Very,” Tyler agreed. “Mom would have liked it here.” Sarah nodded and then looked beyond him. Tyler turned to see Benji picking his way along the stepping stones.
“Sorry I’m late,” he said sheepishly.
“No big deal.” Tyler let him off the hook. He was still nursing a decent mad for Benji, but today wasn’t the day to show it.
“Here,” Sarah said, handing them each a bright and happy sunflower. Tyler helped her stand and the three went to the edge of the lake. They stood, each holding on to memories, gazing into the crystalline water.
“So what do we do?” Benji finally asked. “Say something? Pray?”
“I think we just remember,” Sarah said softly. “That’s enough.”
“No,” Tyler said with a shake of his head. “We have to let go, too.” Tyler looked at the bright and cheery flower in his hand. Annie liked sunflowers. His mother. Someone stronger and braver than he ever knew, but also someone gone. A presence on the edge of the wind now, beyond the shadows. He hoped she was in a lighter place, a place of brightness and safety. He tightened his grip on the thick green stem before relaxing his fingers and letting the flower drop. It hit the lake’s surface with a tiny plop, spinning and dancing atop the ripples.
“She’s really gone,” Benji said quietly. “I don’t know if I ever believed it before.”
“We know,” answered Sarah. She laid a hand on Benji’s shoulder and Tyler did the same, ruffling his little brother’s hair. Benji swung his sunflower out over the water in a bright yellow arc and it landing with a spinning splash near the lake’s center.
“I’m afraid,” Sarah admitted softly, “but I’m stronger now, too. I’m glad Mom gave me something I can’t give back.” Her jaunty flower floated out of her hands gently, carried away on a slight breeze. She watched it fall in silence, before looking up at Tyler. “Even if it is dangerous,” she said, meeting his eyes, “I’m still glad.” Tyler and Benji nodded. New things were taking shape. Their lives were different now, irreparably different.
Benji began to shift in discomfort and the trio separated. He mumbled something about helping Marvin and hurried back through the maze. Sarah stayed a little longer and Tyler asked if she needed help getting back to the manor. She waved him off and made her own way back, walking sluggishly through the trees.
Tyler stayed at the shore’s edge until the afternoon light dimmed. The day was beginning to wane. Shadows lengthened. Tyler headed back to the house in the encroaching twilight, lost in thought. Some part of their lives was over, finished. But he didn’t feel very hopeful about what was beginning. There was a danger, a darkness slithering just beneath the surface of the wonder and magic. They would be lucky if the next part of their lives didn’t end with anyone’s untimely death.
His grim thoughts were briefly chased away by the bright lights gleaming inside the manor. He entered through the kitchen, listening to dinner preparations under way. Jessie was complaining about chores, Marvin sparkled blue near the stove and Aunt Rachel was laughing at something Uncle Matt said. Benji was playing chess with Grandpa at the kitchen table and Sarah came in as Tyler shut the back door. She smiled brightly, though there were shadows under her eyes. Tyler smiled back, but the shadows did not recede. He felt them, just beyond the kitchen door, gathering themselves, waiting.