Where we lived in Nebraska was called ‘The Between’ because it filled the great emptiness that divided civilization. There was a city three hours north from us and two hours south. East and West? That was just more Between; rolling lands of cornfield oceans just swimming with cattle. It was quiet.

Until it wasn’t.

For the first time it seemed, I saw him. He had lines etched around his eyes and a beard that matched the hair on his head. I saw that the necklace I had given him last month for his birthday was missing. Most of all, I saw the absence of me in his gaze when all I could see was him; all I ever saw was him.

Here is an excerpt from a short story I am currently writing titled “Lady of the Wood”.