Page 2 of Trick or Stalk

Flames leap high into the night, lighting up the darkness.

“Good riddance,” Wilder says.

“Yeah. Good riddance,” I echo as remnants of the past turn to ash.

Time for a fresh start in Hollow Creek.

CHAPTER 2

Presley

Tears roll down my face as I stare at the headstone over the fresh grave. I cuddle my dachshund, Penny, closer to my chest. She turns and licks my wet cheeks.

“It’s just you and me now, girl. In that big, ole house.”

She pauses, then jerks her head back, staring at me like she understands what I’m saying.

“Grandma’s gone.” I can barely speak over the lump in my throat. “She’s really gone.”

I sob against Penny’s copper fur, seeking comfort from the only thing I can count on right now—the unconditional love of a dog.

Eventually, I sit, still holding Penny. She seems content to stay in my arms at Grandma’s grave.

The sun slips beneath the horizon, turning the sky into flaming shades of red, purple, and pink.

“She always loved to watch the sun set.” I stare at the sky in awe and wonder. “It’s like she’s telling us she’s okay, Penny. No more cancer causing her pain and misery.”

Penny licks my face, and a small smile curls my lips.

“We’re going to be okay.”

The words float along the breeze that lifts my hair and causes golden leaves to shake and fall from the maple tree by the church.

I wish I felt as confident as I sounded.

“How are you holding up?” Stella’s normally chipper voice is jarring when it’s laced with concern.

I shrug, even though she can’t see me through the phone. “Some days are better than others.”

“Do you need me to come back to Hollow Creek? I can stay⁠—”

“No, Stella.” I sit on the porch swing, staring at the woods surrounding the Victorian house. The place my grandfather built for my grandmother was once full of so much love but is now cloaked in grief and darkness.

I spend as much time outside as the weather allows, staring at the vibrant autumn leaves. Once Halloween is over and November descends upon Hollow Creek, sitting out here will not be feasible.

At least, not without freezing my ass off.

I realize Stella is still talking and tune back in.

“… I’m sure my boss will understand.”

She doesn’t sound confident. Nor should she. She only started teaching at the community college in Willow Hill in August. When I called to tell her my grandma died, Stella immediately jumped into her car and raced here, despite it being mid-fall semester. It happened right before fall break, so she was able to spend some extra time with me without having to cancel class.

“No. Do not cancel classes to come out here.” I push a long brunette lock from my face. “I’m fine.”

“Pfft. I don’t believe that.”

“I’ll be okay,” I amend. “Really.”