Page 7 of Snatched By the Scarecrow

Ava taps her fingernails on the table. “Most people say they feel drawn to big cities.”

“I grew up in one. I think I’m going to like the quiet.”

“Hmm, it is quiet here—” screaming kids interrupt her as a man dressed up in a scarecrow costume chases them, and both of us laugh.

“Okay, it’s quiet here most of the time. This is as busy as the town gets,” she assures.

“And the scarecrows?” I ask again.

“Did you see the one out at the farm?”

“Yes, I did.”

“The Mortimers made that one. It’s lasted the test of time.”

“It belonged to them?”

“It did.”

I shift in my seat. “It’s in good shape from what I can tell.”

She swallows before she says, “We take care of Silas.”

My stomach flips. “You named him after the town?”

“The town was named after him.”

“Really?”

She dips her chin. “Before it was named Silas Valley, this area suffered from a lack of good harvests. There was a drought, and most of the fields were overrun with pests. The Mortimers made Silas and put him in their field. That’s when everything changed. Since then, we’ve been known as Silas Valley, and you know about our award-winning crops.” She winks.

“Interesting,” I say.

“Our town loves our origin story. Hence, all the scarecrow decorations. It’s a nice way to honor our history—and Silas.”

A flash of something chilly passes through Ava’s eyes, but when she blinks it’s gone, all warmth now.

“So that’s that!” she chirps.

“It’s—well, it’s—”

“Too much?” She huffs a laugh.

I shrug. “It’s kind of fun. And I guess it makes sense—” I yawn before I can say more.

“I think that’s my queue to stop monopolizing your time. I’m sure you had a long day.”

I yawn again and nod. “I have.”

“You should get some rest.” She stands and I follow, throwing away my trash.

Ava walks me toward the exit of the festival, and she stops under the banner, facing me. “We have a small Halloween get-together tomorrow after dark for the locals. You should come. All my good friends will be there. I promise they won’t be as awkward as Mike and Olive.”

I mull it over for a few seconds. Ava does seem chill, and I’d like to make friends here.

“Sure, I’ll come. Should I wear a costume?”

“I’m glad you said something, you definitely should.”