Page 12 of Dying Flame

I look around in a panic, my heart pounding out of my chest, but I can’t see anything past where the flashlight is illuminating. I crawl over to pick it up and take a quick look around. There is no one else here, so I take the rock I hit Devin with and bring it down on his head. Again, and again until my hand is soaked with blood and the side of his head has caved in.

He doesn’t move on his own ever again.

The blood and gore should make me sick to my stomach; instead, I feel oddly calm, and relieved. Like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. My vision is clear, and for the first time in my life I feel peace.

This is the beginning of my new life.

FIFTEEN

EMILY- 1 YEAR LATER

Devin has been gone—missing to the public—for a year now. I spent the better part of that morning taking care of his worthless body, clearing out the cabin, and leaving without any questions from anyone. The campground was quiet that morning; something sinister lingered in the air.

Maybe I wasn’t the only one taking care of secrets there that week.

Management tried to reach out, but I ignored their calls. After a week of Devin being gone, I cleared out the house of my things and…just left. I had saved money for years, and waited until I had the courage to leave him, but I knew if I left, he would find me.

The only way to ensure I could start fresh is if he wasn’t around anymore.

I quit my job, changed my name, and have kept a low profile for the last year. No one around me knows who I am, or who I was before. I keep waiting for the police to show up at my door; to go to prison for what I did, but it hasn’t happened.

So, I took Devin’s idea of moving to the West Coast, and I found a little place up north where I could start a new life. It’s now July 3rd, and I planned a quick little trip down to Ironcliff Falls.

I didn’t check in for a stay; I just came by to check on my husband. I made the winding trek up to the overlook point and faced east. There was a beautiful patch of wildflowers that wasn't there this time last year. Right in the spot I dug out and put him in, the most beautiful bright flowers stood tall.

For the first time in a long time, I smiled when I thought of him and what he’s created.