Page 7 of Beneath the Blue Moon

***Casey***

I gaze up at the full moon from the swing on my back porch. Pulling

the blanket up around my shoulders, I reach for my glass of wine as a chilly

wind picks up. I definitely couldn’t do this back in Staten Island. It’s so

peaceful here, quiet, and not to mention the fresh air. It’s so far removed

from the smell of garbage back home. This is exactly what Daddy needs.

The moon casts a glow over the backyard, illuminating the

garden I’ve started. It’s coming along quite nicely, if I do say so myself. The

little cottage I bought is quaint and homey; with a little TLC, I’ve made it my

home. I take a deep breath, breathe in the country air, and stare up at the

stars. A sound coming from the trees to my left catches my attention, and I

strain to see what’s there, but of course, it’s nothing. Probably just an

animal. I am surrounded by a forest, after all. I lie back and stare up

at the moon, just content to be in this moment.

After a few minutes, I hear the sound again. It’s a

rustling, or rather crunching, of leaves. I wonder if larger animals get this

close to the town. I don’t think I want to find out. Clutching my blanket, I

head inside. In the kitchen, I down the rest of my wine, wash the glass, and

walk to my room. I suddenly feel tired, and there’s a strange buzzing in my

head. I only had one glass of wine, so I know I’m not drunk. Must be a headache

coming on. I remove my robe, do a few stretches, and climb under the covers.