Hayman

"Sullivan! Are you there?"

"Yay, I'm here."

"What’re you hidin’ for?"

Janie's face peeked above the treehouse floor.

Sullivan rolled onto his side. "I'm just watchin."

He pointed to the crack.

She looked.

"They come out when it's dark."

"Who?"

"The Hayman."

"What are you talking about?"

Sullivan laughed, whispering a song. "Coming... Hmm... Take your heart... Hmm... Stay awake…tonight."

"You're scaring me.”

"Shh…they'll hear you."

"I'm leaving." She slipped away.

Sullivan continued humming.

***

Squeak…Squeak…

A hay wagon rolled into view—Janie, Don, and Kim sat in back.

“No!” Sullivan grabbed a broom and ran after them.

Before it inched along, but now he could barely keep up.

An icy draft took his breath away.

"Janie!"

He swung the broom at her. "Jump!"

She dropped to the wagon floor, screaming.

“Jump. He’s leaving!”

Sparks of dark and light flickered as the horse faded. Tiny strobe lights shattered him apart. Sulfur wafted through the chill air.

Sullivan pushed the broom at her again.

The jolt triggered her to lunge from the wagon.

Gasping, she grabbed his arm, pleading.

“It’s okay now. Let’s get you home.” Sullivan clung to Janie, staring into the empty street, the sulfur odor faint.