Under a thin muffle of clouds, the noonday sun still shined bright as Kendra stood beside her gold Buick Roadmaster outside the workshop. She felt alone; even watching Bella romp nearby along mouse trails and over molehills did little to comfort her. She envied the dog’s general oblivion to potential danger. There’s something to be said for living in the moment—you just don’t live as long.
Looking at the peaceful surroundings, Kendra longed for her husband. She ached for him too as she recalled the previous awful week, when Warner had flown to Oklahoma the same day he received the devastating news about his father. After arranging for Bella’s boarding, Kendra followed the next day. She had stayed through Bob’s funeral, but returned to Seattle for work soon after.
My family needed me! I should have canceled my client meeting. So why didn’t I? The family said they understood, but what else could they say? She imagined Sylvia’s voice, ‘Of course, dear, your career has always come before your family.’
Leaving Warner in Oklahoma to assist his mother alone, Kendra had continued grieving on her return flight, working through three Bloody Marys. She was still unable to imagine how Warner or his family dealt with the loss and the aftermath to come. I should call my parents when I get home.
With Warner still in Oklahoma, it fell on her to check the property. Standing there feeling small and vulnerable, she wished she had invited a friend. I thought I’d feel safe having Bella with me—but the dog doesn’t seem to be working. Then a thought lightened her mood. Great, a broken schnauzer. The hint of a smile appeared on her lips before sinking back into concern. The extra coffee must be making me jittery—or the fact I’m alone. What if the bear comes back, or I find someone here?
Looking at the workshop, she saw the side door was closed. That must mean the workshop’s fine.
“Come here, furball. Let’s hurry and check out the cabin,” she said with false cheer.
The dog trotted to her heels and Kendra strolled down the drive toward the cabin. Tossing a bright purple and green mohair scarf over her shoulder, the ordinary motion calmed her nerves as she neared the large silent cabin, still under construction.
“Run ahead, Bella. Just don’t leave me like you did Daddy.”
Bella cocked her head suddenly, and Kendra became nervous, scanning the surrounding brush and trees. When Warner left the brush and shrubs for the wildlife, I thought it was sweet. I didn’t realize it could be a hiding place for…. What if something saw me coming? It could be in there right now. She took a tentative step forward. The dog’s relaxed…. A rustling sound drew Bella’s attention to the top of the hill behind the cabin, and Kendra’s gaze followed. Is it the bear that attacked Warner? It’s just the wind.
Shifting to the middle of the drive, she stayed clear of the brush and walked into the broad clearing at the front corner of the cabin. Peering under the motionless plastic that draped over the entire roof to protect it from the weather, she saw a dark forest of 2-by-4s and 2-by-6s making up the bare interior walls. In places, winter snowmelt pooled on the concrete slab. I can’t believe he’s doing this all by himself.
Twenty feet from the nearest wall, she arced around the face of the cabin to stand in front of the main prow. Large openings for future windows and doors provided a clear view of the interior, including much of the upper loft. Her fear mounted as she stood in the open air. There is nothing on earth that could make me go in there.
Convincing herself that everything was in order, she retraced her steps to the car, trying not to run. Nearing the familiar gold Buick, with its promise of safety, she smiled at the bumper sticker with her favorite saying: ‘If it ain’t broke, I can fix it.’
Near the point of the hillside, the brush began moving and Bella let loose a high-pitched whimper without barking or moving forward. At the dog’s unfamiliar behavior, Kendra panicked, giving way to her paranoia and scrambling the remaining distance to the car.
Throwing open the rear door, she shrieked at Bella, “Inside!”