Red and orange demons flickered between the trees, leaving glowing fingerprints on everything they touched. Impish embers soared into the sky, raining down on the unsuspecting tinder below. The fire crackled with laughter as it danced among the trees and branches, twirling along the forest floor with devastating footprints.***"I'm pretty sure you cheated," I called out through my window as I pulled into the driveway next to Andrew."If anything, you cheated. You know those big red octagons? They're called stop signs. Most people recommend actually stopping at them," he teased as I got out of my car."The ones with white borders around them are optional. I'm surprised you didn't know that," I said, bumping my shoulder against him as I moved to unlock the door. I could sense him behind me. I fumbled with my keys in the lock, his presence flustering me. He leaned his hand against the door frame, his body barely touching mine, but so close that I could feel his warmth. I wanted to kiss

Smoke darkened the skies like false clouds. Thunder rumbled in the distance, but the clouds hoarded any moisture deep within their volume. Ash and soot filled the air, sucking what little moisture was left from the parched land, giving further fuel to the flames.***I woke up startled and the room unfamiliar. I panicked for a moment before realizing I had fallen asleep on Andrew's couch. A thin gray light was leaking into the room announcing dawn. Andrew was snoring gently, asleep on the recliner next to me. the TV flickered with an infomercial."Morning, Holly. You want some coffee?" Audrey whispered, peeking her head out from inside the kitchen. I nodded and sat up slowly. My neck hurt from sleeping in a weird position on the couch. I rubbed it as I walked to the kitchen, following the smell of toast and coffee."Creamer is in the fridge. Want some eggs?" Audrey asked as she handed me a hot mug. I took a big sip, the bitter liquid filling my mouth. I nodded again, and Audrey cracke

I lay in bed, Shadow sleeping at my feet, and my stomach rolling. Andrew had texted me twice to make sure I had gotten home and to see if I needed anything. I needed a new me. I needed my past to change or at least a way to forget it. I closed my eyes, the last year of my life haunting me.I woke up, the room unfamiliar. My stomach felt awful and my head buzzed like it was full of bees. A masculine arm lay draped across my stomach, the owner snoring softly into his pillow. I didn't remember his name, but it didn't matter. He had bought me the drinks, and I seemed to remember thinking he was cute. But that could have been the guy two nights ago. I carefully slipped out from under his arm, moving slowly, more to keep my stomach contents down than fear of waking him. His place was a mess-- dirty underwear, empty bowls, pizza boxes, and beer cans littered the floor. I found my skirt tossed in a corner, a dark stain on the hem. Were we drinking red wine? I couldn't remember, but I slid th

Flames devoured the trees as they imploded from the inside. Nests abandoned to the heat blazed in a short glory. Young green leaves wilted and browned before succumbing to the fire's will. The landscape shuddered with the heat, the trees groaning for mercy. But the fire showed no lenience.***Andrew held my hand as we both stared out the window, watching the world zoom past. It was quiet in the car as Audrey maneuvered us toward the city. We were on our way to Elitch Gardens, an amusement park in Denver, courtesy of Ray and Audrey. The park had only been open for a week, but Ray had gotten discounted tickets from a customer and invited us all to go. Luke turned down the opportunity to come with us. He was still avoiding us, so it was just Andrew, Audrey, Ray, and me.Sprigs of green were starting to appear on the trees as we approached the city, the tiny leaves struggling to grow under a bright blue sky. It hadn't rained in weeks, but the grass was attempting to turn a pale yellow-gr

I'm sorry. Please call me.I sighed. I had sent him that message every day for the past week and a half. He hadn't responded yet. I wanted to cry."You texting him again?" Luke leaned against the door frame to my back porch, sunlight streaming around him. My lips scrunched to the side as I nodded. I couldn't help the bitter expression. Luke crossed his arms. "You just have to give him some time. You dropped a bomb on him, and he is still trying to figure out what just happened. He'll come around.""That's what you said last week. I just wish he would at least let me explain," I said with a pout, flipping my phone around in my hands."Holly, just give him time. He is hurting too," Luke said quietly. I put my phone in my pocket and walked outside. Luke's eyes followed me as I walked past him through the door, his arms still crossed.It was beautiful outside. A perfect spring day in the beginning of May. The news ran stories every night about how little snow we had received this year, bu