A magnetic force seemed to draw me back to the house. But Mildred insisted I should go, and I knew I could do nothing more. Her sister had driven up from North Carolina to help out, so she was in capable hands. Riley escorted me to his car. Around us, crickets sang with abandon and the full moon offered a mocking smile. Didn’t nature know the torment this family was going through? Shouldn’t it mourn with us over this injustice? I mentally chanted, “Down with nature. Long live industrial development.” I slid inside the car and dropped my aching head against the seat. Riley’s door slammed, the sound reverberating at my temples. I gritted my teeth, wanting to be back with Mildred, as if she’d be safe under my care. I waited for Riley to start the car, but instead he touched my shoulder. “You going to be okay?” he asked. Even inside the shadowed car, I could see the concern on his face. I could hear it in the mellow tone of his voice. Still, my sarcasm fought to be voiced. Of course I wasn’t going to be okay.
