Charred Remains by Evan Bond

Author:Evan Bond
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: horror, suspense, anthology, collection, short stories
Publisher: Evan Bond
Published: 2022-05-16T00:00:00+00:00

Stranger by the Fire

They toasted marshmallows and conversed about old memories. The campfire always brought out these kinds of conversations in the group. One weekend a year was always spent at the same campground with the same people. It made it easier to reminisce about the good old days. The fire popped and crackled between jokes and roars of laughter. The group was happy to be here together.

“I look forward to this trip every year,” Amanda said, helping herself to another marshmallow from the bag. She skewered it with the retractable prong and held it over the fire. Within seconds, it burst into flames.

“It’s better if you slow roast them. Get that golden-brown look,” Brent said as he plucked his marshmallow off the stick. It was the perfect shade of golden brown. As he stuffed it in his mouth, a look of pure satisfaction curled across his face.

“You’ve been roasting that one for the past ten minutes,” Nolan said with a chuckle. “I ain’t got the time or patience for that shit.” Nolan took his marshmallow and rammed it into the flames. When it caught fire, he pulled it out and blew it out. The force of his breath caused the treat to tumble off the stick and land in the dirt. Everyone laughed.

“That’s why I take my time,” Brent said, giving him a friendly push.

“You know what, doesn’t bother me,” Nolan said, reaching down to pick up the marshmallow. “Dirt won’t kill you.” Before anyone could protest, he shoved it in his mouth and swallowed it down.

“I’d call you disgusting but I don’t think it surprised any of us,” Tracey said and everyone laughed.

The group of four sat by the flames and talked about life. They talked about what they had been up to this past year. How their lives had changed since the last camping trip. What was better and what was worse. This yearly trip was a way to stay in contact and keep an old tradition alive.

Ever since they were teenagers, the four of them had taken this same camping trip. The same time of year, every year. They had made a pact long ago to always come back. And each year, they kept that promise. No one ever missed a year. Despite marriages and kids and jobs, the four of them kept coming back to this same spot year after year.

All of them had changed since that first trip. Brent had been the jock when they were teens. He was a walking cliché. Played on the football team, drove the red sports car, and even picked on the nerdy kid in math class. Now, he was a middle-aged accountant at a large firm. The sports car got traded for a mini-van many years ago. He no longer played sports and barely watched them anymore. His family had become bigger and more important.

Nolan had been the class clown. Always getting in trouble for cracking jokes when he should be studying. Everyone always thought he would pursue a career in comedy of some kind.

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