Twisted Tales of Texas Landmarks by Charlotte Phillips

Author:Charlotte Phillips [Authors, The Final Twist]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Short Story Anthology
Publisher: L&L Dreamspell
Published: 2010-10-28T00:00:00+00:00

Susana feigned interest as Bill droned on about what he “wanted her to accomplish” while the “men” were gone. She had plans of her own for the day and hoped it didn’t show on her face.

“Come on, Dad, we’re burning daylight,” Trey called.

“You’re right, son. Let’s roll. Wyatt, take point.” Bill headed for the bikes.

The boys hugged Susana before following.

“Be careful,” she called after them.

“We will, we will,” they called and waved as they rode off.

Susana watched until they rode out of sight, then sucked in a huge lungful of air. Free. She was free for the entire day. She made short work of cleaning camp before donning her hiking boots, clipping a light to her belt, grabbing her camera, and heading to the cave.

Palo Duro Canyon was one her favorite places on Earth, and the cave was, in her opinion, the best place in the canyon. Too many people, she thought, had learned about the cave. When she and Bill were dating, they’d often had the cave to themselves. She knew she could still have at least an hour of peace inside, if she hurried. Families and church groups wouldn’t start out so early. Besides, she knew a shortcut. Back when they were dating, Bill had refused to hike the marked trails. He’d insisted they blaze their own, and she’d loved him for it.

Though not much more than a hole in the canyon wall, she’d been instantly drawn to the cave. She’d sensed there was more to it than the small cavern and had often searched for a hidden passage, while Bill sat and laughed. They’d spent more than one blissful night enjoying their new love inside their secret nest. Its isolation and soft floor were ideal.

Remembering happier times dampened her spirit. She shook off the mood. No time for self-pity. She put her mind in hiking mode and picked up the pace.

Susana pulled herself over the lip of the four-foot “cliff” and turned to enjoy one of her favorite vistas. From this vantage point, she had a spectacular view of both the canyon floor and some of the best Spanish Skirt formations in the park. She pulled out her camera and fired off a few shots. If the gently curved rock formations were colored differently, they might be called bells or rolling hills. But with horizontal ribbons of color in oranges, yellows, and reds, the canyon’s famous formations resembled traditional Spanish dresses. She was determined to one day shoot a picture that did them justice.

She returned her attention to reaching the cave. The rest of the hike was easygoing. She hurried along, willing her sanctuary to be empty.

She stopped a few feet from the arched entrance and took a minute to savor the anticipation. She loved that first step into any cavern, the sudden change in light and temperature always sent chills down her spine. She reached for her camera, then changed her mind. She wanted to be in the moment, not outside taking pictures.

Susana quieted her breathing. She listened.

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