The equipment shed.
I stood near the porch railing.
Coffee in hand.
Watching.
Always watching.
The screen door creaked open.
Sadie stepped outside.
A blanket wrapped around her shoulders.
She looked tired.
The last few days were taking a toll.
I didn't like it.
Didn't like the shadows beneath her eyes.
Didn't like the worry she tried hiding.
Didn't like any of it.
She sat beside me on the porch swing.
For several minutes neither of us spoke.
Just listened to the evening sounds.
Crickets.
Wind.
Horses shifting in the pasture.
Then Sadie sighed.
"I hate this."
My grip tightened around the coffee mug.
"I know."
"I keep looking over my shoulder."
The admission sounded painful.
Honest.
"I know."
"I keep wondering if he's watching."
That one hit harder.
