The End of the Line

She took the path to the left, heading towards the sound of running water. Watching the sky glowing orange as the sun started to dip towards the horizon over the low rolling hills, it wasn’t until it was too late that she saw a man sitting on a fallen tree at the other side of the creek, a horse drinking from the water nearby.

Anna stopped dead in her tracks. Trying not to make a sound, she took a couple of steps backwards. He raised his head and looked directly at her.

“Sorry,” she mumbled.

“This is private land,” his voice was deep, tinged with annoyance.

Anna was a distance from house but the creek separated them. “I’m staying at Bear Ranch.” She was no trespasser. “I understood it was Okay to walk down here, on the footpath”

He noted the accent. One of Ty’s guests no doubt.

Anna took a slow step backwards. Her brain firing warnings and cautions.

What she said was true. The trail was well marked. “Yeah. The trail runs by the creek.” He said.

“Just stretching my legs, did a lot of flying today,” she said keeping her voice steady, calm. She didn’t want to provoke.

He hadn’t failed to notice she was inching backwards. He removed his hat, quickly ran his fingers through his hair before replacing it. A nervous gesture he’d picked up. A distraction when he wasn’t sure what to say or do next.

“Ty and Sarah are my neighbors,” he said finally. Code for I’m not a killer rapist. “It’s a pretty spot. Flooded out right now though.”

“I was coming to look.”

He gestured an invitation with his hand. “Be my guest.”

She moved forward. The creek was wide. Looked deep. It gave her a sense of security. Nearer to him now and she could make out some of his features. Jawline, crooked nose. Eyes remained hidden under the brim of his hat.

She bent at the water’s edge and dipped her fingers into the stream.

“This is cold!” she exclaimed.

He watched her. Her head was bowed gazing into the water as though she was looking for something she’d dropped.

“Too cold,” she said lifting her hand and shaking off the water droplets. She moved up the bank and sat down. Looked up into the evening sky. Orange was starting to turn to crimson.

He wasn’t sure what to do. Didn’t feel right leaving her here alone. Knew she would freak out if he attempted to cross the creek.

“Beautiful sunset.” she said.

He saw it every day. It was common-place to him.

“Amazing colors and patterns,” she continued.

He looked now. Following her gaze. “Yeah, pretty spectacular. Sunrise is better though.”

“I’m not so good at very early morning. Can’t really see the stars in London. Too much light pollution. Bet you can see thousands here at night,” she said.

“Many people are amazed by the night sky when they can really see it,” he said. “Can take your breath away.”

She was a little more relaxed now. Friendly smile, open. Curly brown hair round an oval face. Avoided direct eye contact. Self-assured but not stupid he thought.

“I’ll look forward to seeing them. It’s a beautiful evening.”

“Yeah, been a hot day. Always nice when the evening cools things off.” It felt companionable, but he needed to get moving. He’d only stopped to give the horse a break.

“You should move before you get bitten by something. You Okay getting back?” he asked. Turned and went to gather his horse. He pulled the reins and waited a moment.

She stood up dusting off the seat of her pants.

“Oh, the ground is wet,” she said.

“Yeah, there was a storm a few days ago. You Okay getting back?” he asked again.

“Yes. Thank you.”

She watched as he mounted his horse in one lean graceful movement.

“Well, good evening miss.” He raised his fingers to the rim of his hat. “You’d better get moving. There’s no lights out here and it will start getting dark soon.”

She took off running back down the track. He watched her go, until she rounded the bend back towards the ranch house. He stirred his horse on towards home.