A Summer’s Walk

Sun glared off the dry and dusty track as the summer heat pressed down. The girl walked along, nervous in the quiet hush of midday. There was nobody around for miles, but every tree and shrub looked like a hiding place. Her steps faltered as she started down a narrow path leading to a shallow creek. Almost blinded by the deep shade, she slipped on a rock and fell into the slow moving water. She sat up and laughed, her paranoia washed away with the welcome chill. She didn’t see the watcher, as she sat on the bank to dry off.