Bone Creeper
Sierra Durbin
CW: Animal death, blood, death, eating disorders Darkness surrounded the Pearson family RV as they drove down the deserted road. The moonlight was shaded by the blanket of bleak clouds, so the only light source beamed from the headlights. The glow casted into the foggy void. John and his wife, Cindy, sat up front, while their teenagers, Riley and Dylan, sat in the back, leaning into the aisle to make sure their father didn’t fall asleep at the wheel. Max, the young Collie, sat on Dylan’s lap, periodically licking his face and causing Riley to giggle at his struggle. Little hairs from his fluffy, white fur drifted down his wagging tail. Riley could see the shadow of his black, floppy ears bouncing. Their great aunt was a widow and hermit who lived in a cabin in the woods of Maine. She died a few weeks ago. Their father did not disclose what happened to her body. He volunteered to help clean out the cabin, and thought, despite the morbid circumstances, it was the perfect opportunity to take his family on a fairly relaxing vacation. Overall, the kids did not seem bothered by the situation. Of course they felt sorry for losing a family member, but they did not know their great aunt well enough to shed tears. They could hardly remember the woman’s face. The only thing that came to mind was how often she bit her nails and lips. Regardless of the destination, Riley felt like she needed a change of scenery. Her life was overwhelming with college on the horizon, boy drama, and coping with recovery. I just need an escape, even if it is only for three weeks. The RV jostled after dipping into a massive pothole, distracting Riley from her thoughts. “Hey, kids, it feels like we’re back in Indiana!” Their father chuckled. Even with lack of sleep, he still conjured up jokes. A few more miles down the road, the kids began to feel drowsy. Volume 34.1 43
