Prose, Sierra’s Deserter ....................................Bella Borgomini ’21

Sierra’s Deserter

Bella Borgomini ’21

On a dry Tuesday afternoon, a young woman enters June Stewart’s convenience store. The door bell chimes as the elderly June looks up from the cash register. Situated in the middle of the Sierra Nevadas, she isn’t used to many customers. The mysterious woman eventually approaches June and pays for her items in silence.

“Thank you, have a great day!” Says June, as the woman exits her shop, but the stranger doesn’t look back on her way out.

“Get anything good?” Asked Natalie’s husband, as she returned to their car.

“Here,” she said, tossing him his favorite snack. As Natalie drove, the two sat in silence. The car felt heavy with words better left unsaid. This trip marked their first reunion in over a year. It had been a year since David had walked out on her, and Natalie was determined to find closure.

“You know, we’re just about to pass the very spot that --”

“I know where we are,” said Natalie sharply. David was referring to the very campsite where the two had spent their honeymoon. “God, that feels like ages ago.” Natalie shook her head gently. Though she would never say it, she had fond memories of that trip. Only six years ago, the two had stumbled upon a campsite that felt perfect for their frugal honeymoon. Only six years ago, all of their troubles seemed far, far away.

“Well, shall we take a pitstop there?” Offered David.

“I suppose it’s as good a place as any to talk,” responded Natalie, as she turned off the highway.

“It’s just up ahead if you take --”

“I know the way,” Natalie said. She found it unlikely that she would ever forget. In a few minutes, the pair had arrived. As they pulled into the campsite, it was as if they had travelled back in time. Their spot in the desert remained untouched -- unmoved. Natalie took a deep breath and stepped out of the car.

“It’s starting to get a bit dark,” said David, noting the sun sinking slowly behind the mountains. “Maybe we oughtta start a fire.”

“Fine,” said Natalie, easily convinced. “But we’re not staying overnight.” David nodded his agreement as he fetched firewood from the car -- he had

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