Page 25

“Whoa there, what’s all the hurry? Somethin’ catchin’ fire ‘round here?”

I huff out a breath trying to slow my racing heart. “No, no fire. I didn’t want to wait too much longer and pottery time went a little longer today than I expected. I wanted to talk with you about an idea I have for the booth and I was hoping you would help me with developing it.”

“Oh, absolutely, honey! Lay it on me! I’m all ears and ready to pitch in.”

“Alright since the theme this year is Legend of the Land, I was thinking we could use my photos to tell a story. But, since I’ve never created a gallery, I was hoping you could help me set it up and select the photos.”

“Alright, I’m with ya. Let’s quit jawin’ and get this thing done.”

Two hours later, we have a concrete plan for tomorrow, the photos chosen, and I’m feeling far more confident about it.

“Thank you so much Lou for helping me! I’m feeling 100% better about tomorrow now that we have a plan.” I check the time on my phone, seeing more notifications from Howlr and Odes floating on my screen. I’m busy reading the text from Odes when Lou clears her throat.

“‘Fore you run off, somebody dropped off a little somethin’ for ya. Said I was supposed to give it to ya. And don’t you even ask, ‘cause your guess is as good as mine who it was. Just found a note waitin’ for me on the counter when I moseyed outta the dark room.”

She slides a pack of film for my polaroid and a bundle of twine. My mouth drops open when I grab the items. Finding a little note tape to each piece.

Flipping the note on the film, it says

S,

Use this film to take photos of your guests at your booth. Add to the legends of the land by capturing memories from the Summer Solstice.

-Your friend in the fog.

I quickly grab the twine and flip the note open for it.

S,

Bound by fate or a bit of twine. Tie together the memories you cherish with this twine.

-Until then

Glancing up to Lou, she simply shrugs her shoulders. With her being of literally no help at all, I slide my phone out of my back pocket to snap a photo of the items and their notes before sending them off to Odes.

She almost instantly texts back.

Odes: Did your wolf stalker break into the studio or is that the hottest support gift ever?

Moonly: Not. Helping.

Odes: Got to give it to whoever it is. This game is almost as exciting as the Moonbinding ceremony. Close but not quite as captivating.

Moonly: Don’t give him any ideas!

Odes: You think he’s hacking your phone?

Moonly: Eye roll emoji. Face palm emoji. I meant don’t put it in the universe. He’s already doing the most.

Pocketing my phone, I pull the items into my arms before waving. “See you tomorrow Lou!” I call over my shoulder as I head out.

As I’m walking down the sidewalk towards home, I can’t help but sweep my eyes from side to side. Feeling as though he might jump out and claim me as I’m trying to make it home. The street is glowing with the warm string lights strung from pole to pole. Thankfully lighting more of the shadows than usual.

I can’t tell if it’s my nerves or if it’s real, but I feel eyes on me again. There is almost a humor to the feeling. As if watching me is bringing them joy and laughter.

“You know, you could just show yourself and save me from the anxiety,” I say in the direction I feel the eyes on me.

As if I can sense the intentions and feelings of the mystery person, I almost feel like they are shaking their head at me.Fucking weird.