Near the edge of the forest clearing on the Tollmans’ property, the surrounding brush was thick with the promise of summer as Lina reclined on to her elbows in the middle of a soft pink blanket. Under a black hand-knit sweater, her cotton dress stretched uncomfortably tight over the mound of her pregnancy.
Smiling, she recalled the attention she had received in town since the tragedy New Year’s Eve. All the boys stare like they’s the ones guilty, when it’s Luke should be paying me more attention. And them ladies eye me like I’m crazy just cuz I’m not married and expecting. Hell, I done nothing half them ain’t done themselves. And it ain’t none a their business who the daddy is. Never mind them, it’s just a matter a time—even my counselor says I won’t go single forever.
Despite the late afternoon sun, a cool dampness clung to the spring air as she unbuttoned the front of her sweater. Stroking the firmness of her rounded tummy, she felt the baby shift as if it were unhappy with the sudden chill. Lina groaned in her own discomfort.
Once the baby’s born Luke’s gonna do right by me. Won’t he be excited when he learns it’s a boy? More so when he hears I’m naming it Jayden, after his middle name. Family can call the boy JD for short.
She retrieved a small shoulder purse to collect her one-hitter, a thumb-sized pink metal pipe, and her mother’s ornate heart-shaped silver lighter. Caressing the sculpted relief of holly leaves on the lighter, she then raised the pipe to her lips and ignited the sticky brown marijuana packed within. Just a quick hit, then I’ll quit ‘til the baby’s born.
The late spring sun fell behind the nearby peaks as she inhaled. The familiar ritual tempered her anxiety beneath a soothing rush of pungent smoke. Smothering the small embers with the tip of her pinky, she clasped the tools of her happiness and sprawled back onto the moss-cushioned blanket under the sheltering cedar. She was glad to be off her feet. I feel big as a mountain ready to erupt.
Bringing her right hand to her face, she traced the pink scar running from the hairline on her forehead, down to the corner of her right eye, and ending just below her ear. She felt a momentary guilt, knowing her father was still paying for the surgery. Withdrawing her hand, she let it drop to the blanket beside her. Her gaze softened as it trailed after the pale smoke curling lazily from between her lips. The gray tendrils receded past nearby cedar trees and faded before reaching the spot where the tire swing used to hang. Only the frayed rope remained, still dangling from a chokehold on the lowest branch of the towering hemlock. Drawing her attention upward, the ancient evergreen dwarfed the surrounding trees while a high gentle breeze pulled at the green witch’s hair moss that draped the upper boughs.
Relighting the pipe, she inhaled another smoky breath and a mellow high released the soreness in her back. Temporarily free from the ache of motherhood, her mind wandered well-worn memories: Luke’s strong hands thrusting her into the air on the old tire swing; their laughter echoing as her dress billowed in the breeze; his warm fingers snaking their way inside her dress. Longing brought a sweet flush to her cheeks and she burned with a desire for a second chance to be with her love.
He’ll come ‘round or I’ll make him, now JD’s on the way.
Humming their song, she waited for her mind to settle before reaching into her purse to withdraw a yellowing fold of newsprint. Clear tape held the frayed halves of the clipping together. After much wear, the text was still legible. Raising the faded print before her eyes, her hand trembled, making it difficult to read what she had memorized by heart.
The Darrington Boondocker
January 2nd
Tragedy Strikes Tollman Cabin
DARRINGTON, WA. – An early morning fire on New Year’s Day swept through the Tollman family’s remote cabin on the Suiattle River, sending a thick column of black smoke throughout this scenic mountain valley. No injuries were reported in the blaze that destroyed the cabin and left the Tollman family homeless.
Seventeen-year-old Luke Tollman stated, “The place was fine when I left to get my father…. When me and him got back our place was torched.”
Abe Tollman, owner of the destroyed cabin and long-time resident of Darrington, said, “It’s not our place to question the Lord’s will. But plain and simple it’s a tragedy what’s happened to my family.”
In a related story, earlier today Deputy John Braun found a burgundy Ford Taurus registered to Mrs. Holly Cousins at the Skagit Transit Station in Mount Vernon. The 41-year-old mother of two had been reported missing the same day as the fire by her husband, Cecil Cousins, who is offering a $500 reward for any information leading to the safe return of his wife.
In a surprising turn of events for the local community, the Skagit County Sheriff’s Department has identified Holly Cousins as ‘a person of interest’ wanted for questioning regarding the Tollman fire. Anyone with information should contact Deputy John Braun of the Skagit County Sheriff’s Department immediately.
Meticulously refolding the article, Lina put it away before relighting her pipe. Taking another hit, she held the sweet smoke in her lungs before releasing it into the wilderness breeze. She relaxed with a smile and her mind drifted into deeper daydreams of a happier future.
Won’t be long ‘fore we’re together again.