{"id":56,"date":"2016-03-02T17:56:03","date_gmt":"2016-03-02T22:56:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/glendakotchish.com\/dir\/?page_id=56"},"modified":"2016-04-26T12:10:53","modified_gmt":"2016-04-26T16:10:53","slug":"chanticleer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/glendakotchish.com\/dir\/stories\/chanticleer\/","title":{"rendered":"Chanticleer, Where Are You?"},"content":{"rendered":"

This short story is about a woman who finds herself frustrated with the changing of clocks. \u00a0And she’s not the only one.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The Clocks Change<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

On the second day, after they change the clocks back, it starts to rain. <\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Claire is pissed–not about the rain–but about the clocks. \u201c<\/span>Fall back<\/span><\/i> – one hour, come hell or high water,\u201d she thinks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGod, why do they keep doing that? \u00a0\u00a0Just how much more light do we need in the summer–the basis for the whole clock-change thing? \u00a0Back in the day–ok– more light to plant and harvest. \u00a0But now, 2015, really? \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Here it is<\/span> fall <\/span><\/i>and we find ourselves in some kind of dismal abyss, trying to adjust to the early darkness . \u00a0\u00a0Just leave the damn clock alone!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re all running around asking: what time is it?\u201d \u00a0She complains. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly seven o\u2019clock, <\/span>really<\/span><\/i>? \u00a0It seems like nine o\u2019clock. Doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs it too early to go to bed, yet?\u201d she asks her husband. \u201cWhat time is it, now? \u00a0\u00a0I\u2019m not tired but I feel like I should be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

At lunch–alone in the house–she looks at the clock. \u00a0\u201c<\/span>No wonder<\/span><\/i> I\u2019m hungry; it\u2019s one o\u2019clock! \u00a0But yesterday at this <\/span>same<\/span><\/i> time it was two o\u2019clock–so by all rights I <\/span>should <\/span><\/i>be famished at this time of day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Everyone is confused. \u00a0\u00a0Even the Yorkie, Patty is upset. \u00a0\u00a0She wants her dinner at the regular time–five o\u2019clock. \u00a0But they don\u2019t give it to her because the clock says \u201cfour.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDamn it all, we\u2019re hungry, too but it\u2019s too early to be eating dinner–besides no one has cooked it yet,\u201d \u00a0Claire frowns. <\/span><\/p>\n

So exasperated, only two days into the <\/span>\u00a0\u201c<\/span><\/i>new-time\u201d, when the rain first started, Claire breaks down–feeds the dog <\/span>early<\/span><\/i>–eats some cheese and crackers, drinks some wine for dinner–<\/span>early<\/span><\/i>–and after watching some ridiculous reality-show on T.V., is disgusted and goes to bed–<\/span>early<\/span><\/i>. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The dog doesn\u2019t know about the clocks and so, \u00a0without hesitation, she follows Claire upstairs to the bedroom–her doggy nails clicking on the wooden stairs– clickity-click-click. \u00a0Patty settles into her little bed at the foot of Claire\u2019s big bed. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Claire slips into sleep–quietly, softly and dreams of bridges and rising water, crossing a bridge–the water so high her feet get wet and cold. \u00a0\u00a0She holds onto the bridge rail, with both hands, slowly making her way across. \u00a0\u00a0Halfway over the bridge, she wakens–with a start.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is Chanticleer? \u00a0Come home, Chanticleer! \u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s still raining,\u201d Claire hears herself say outloud–or did she? \u00a0\u00a0Was it the dream? \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow ridiculous,\u201d \u00a0Claire chides herself. \u00a0\u00a0One of the children named their rooster Chanticleer–after an animated film–Rock-A-Doodle-Do or something. \u00a0It was about a rooster leaving the farm to crow and be the \u201cKing\u201d in Vegas. \u00a0Without him the sun didn\u2019t rise and the rain–the relentless, cold, murky rain–kept falling.<\/span>
\nClaire sits up in bed and looks toward the windows. \u00a0Rain is streaming down the panes. \u00a0The yard light is shining yellow and blurry in the distance. \u00a0\u00a0She lies back down on her pillow, \u00a0\u201cChanticleer,\u201d she whispers and closes her eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

~ ~ ~\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Rain Sets In<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Claire sloshes through three days of rain–hard rain, sheets of rain–on errands; the bank, the grocery store, the post office. \u00a0She makes soup with swiss chard, bacon, chicken and spices. \u00a0\u00a0No one but she will eat it. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt smells funny,\u201d they say. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019m not eating anything that\u2019s called <\/span>chard.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

She makes chili for the others. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She works on her computer. \u00a0\u00a0The dog refuses to walk in the rain even though Claire carries an umbrella over the both of them. \u00a0\u00a0The yard is full of water; puddles–a foot deep in places. \u00a0\u00a0And although it is November, it is hot and humid and <\/span>miserable.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The family watches police shows on T.V. \u00a0\u00a0Night comes early. \u00a0As they lie in their beds in the silent, dark house –sleep eludes Claire. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0She hears a pat, pat noise break the silence and goes downstairs to investigate. \u00a0\u00a0The kitchen ceiling has begun to leak. \u00a0Water is dripping through the newly repaired roof, down the rafters, onto the studs, through the sheet rock, \u00a0into the hanging light fixture. \u00a0The water, tinted pink from the soaking-wet insulation–falls in steady drops–onto the table then finally puddles on the pine floor. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Claire goes to the garage and finds buckets. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She groans, \u00a0\u201cI\u2019ve got myself a new roof and a six-bucket leak.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Wide awake now at three o\u2019clock, Claire makes a pot of coffee and settles in the rocking chair beside the living room window. \u00a0She rocks and joins the rhythm of the steady pour of rain outside and the unbroken streams of dripping water inside–waiting for dawn. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A certain roofing contractor is going to get a call at first light–Claire seethes.<\/span><\/p>\n

~ ~ ~<\/span><\/p>\n

Where Is the Rooster?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The next day, the roofer shows up. \u00a0\u00a0Then quickly disappears. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Later his nineteen-year-old assistant arrives. \u00a0Claire sees him coming up the road. \u00a0A blue tarp flaps in the wind above his car. \u00a0He holds onto the end of it with one hand and drives the car with the other. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, the solution has arrived,\u201d Claire groans. \u00a0She hears the assistant hammering the tarp in place on the roof. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cBack, right where we started,\u201d Claire thinks. \u00a0\u00a0Twenty-thousand dollars later and I have a blue tarp on the house. \u00a0\u00a0She stares at the ceiling–still dripping water. \u00a0\u00a0It will take a while before the water stops flowing, provided \u201cthe solution\u201d works, \u00a0and they\u2019ve put it over the actual problem and not just arbitrarily nailed it up there to appease her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Life continues. \u00a0\u00a0The leak in the ceiling stops dripping. \u00a0\u00a0The children go to school. \u00a0\u00a0Her husband goes to work. \u00a0\u00a0Claire worries. \u00a0\u00a0The chickens in the coup are complaining. \u00a0\u00a0They stop laying eggs. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0What was left of the winter-garden is floating in water. \u00a0\u00a0The pond is creeping up the hill toward the house, first slowly and then–while not really alarming–faster, steadier. \u00a0\u00a0It is worrisome. \u00a0\u00a0Everything is damp and sticky. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0And where is that rooster, \u00a0by the way? \u00a0\u00a0Claire hadn\u2019t seen him for awhile–what, for a week now? \u00a0\u00a0Has it been that long? \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She asks the children, \u201cHave you seen the rooster?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They look up from their computer games and give her a look. \u00a0\u201cWhat rooster?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe rooster in the chicken coup. \u00a0You know, the big chicken, Chanticleer.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d the oldest replies. \u00a0\u201cThe big one is \u00a0a rooster?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yes. \u00a0\u00a0When you fed the chickens, have any of you seen him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They shake their heads and go back to their games. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Claire puts on a rain poncho and makes her way out to the coup. \u00a0The chickens, \u00a0only four of the five are perched high on a beam–silent. \u00a0No rooster amongst them. \u00a0They watch her as she walks around the coup. \u00a0\u00a0They don\u2019t as much as ruffle a feather –just stare at her with their beady eyes. \u00a0\u00a0Claire sweeps the floor. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0She moves a wooden crate–no fifth chicken–Cilla by name and no rooster. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019d gotten out somehow, maybe when one of the kids left the gate open for a moment at feeding time–and they\u2019d slipped out,\u201d Claire reasons. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0She walks around the building–no evidence of either bird. \u00a0\u00a0She opens the gate to the fence and checks around the perimeter. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0No feathers outside the fence–a good sign. \u00a0They are alive, \u00a0hopefully, \u00a0and have not been eaten by a dog or fox or something worse. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Claire searches the property–four acres. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At the pond Claire hears a bark and turns to see Patty racing towards her on her short little legs–ears flatten –fairly flying. \u00a0\u201cSomebody, let you out, girl? \u00a0I didn\u2019t think you liked getting wet.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0She stoops down and pets the dog. \u00a0\u201cNow stay here with me; \u00a0don\u2019t run off.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Patty has a tendency to run away and Claire, as a rule, \u00a0keeps her on a leash. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re looking for the rooster and a chicken. \u00a0Maybe you can sniff them out.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With that, Patty, as if on queue barks and races up the hill, away from the pond, away from house–toward \u00a0the woods line.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHold up, Patty. \u00a0Wait for me.\u201d \u00a0Claire starts after the dog, walking fast at first, then she moves into a jog and then for a while she runs at full speed. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The dog disappears in the woods. \u00a0\u00a0Claire stops to give her knees a rest and then she enters the wood, \u00a0following the sound of Patty\u2019s barking. <\/span><\/p>\n

A large portion of the tract of woods is her neighbor\u2019s property–creepy, grouchy old Richard, who doesn\u2019t like anyone to set foot on his land. \u00a0As yet he hadn\u2019t put up any \u201cno trespassing\u201d signs. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTechnically, I\u2019m not breaking any laws,\u201d thinks Claire, \u00a0making her way through the bramble, following Patty\u2019s bark. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cBut none the less, he <\/span>will <\/span><\/i>know that I\u2019ve been here.<\/span>\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/i>The children swear that he has cameras hidden in the woods and that he spies on them. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cHow how <\/span>else <\/span><\/i>does he know we\u2019ve been there?\u201d they protest, when Claire confronts them after one of Richard\u2019s phone calls–complaining that the children have been in his woods. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s he hiding out there, that he doesn\u2019t want us to discover?\u201d the oldest asks.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t need cameras,\u201d the youngest says. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cHe\u2019s a wizard and the owls in the forest see us and fly to him and tell on us.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cClearly you have been reading a little too much Harry Potter,\u201d Claire says. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou do know that all that Hogwarts stuff is pretend–not real. \u00a0The owls are not messengers, and Richard is not a wizard. \u00a0\u00a0He\u2019s just a grump. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019ve seen the owls flying out of the woods, carrying little packages–in their claws. \u00a0And these owls are special. \u00a0They don\u2019t hoot.\u201d insists the youngest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, \u00a0they are silent owls. \u00a0\u00a0Owls don\u2019t always hoot–you know,\u201d Claire says.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey aren\u2019t silent. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0They make a noise–like Patty–barking,\u201d \u00a0the youngest demonstrates a high pitched barking-squawk. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can always tell when an owl is coming, too. \u00a0\u00a0It sounds like a camera clicking,\u201d \u00a0the middle one joins. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou goons,\u201d the oldest says, pausing his computer game. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s a Great Horned Owl. \u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s wings have special hooks so you<\/span> can\u2019t <\/span><\/i>hear it coming. \u00a0\u00a0On rare occasion–it sounds like clicks.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStop calling your brother and sister names,\u201d Claire addresses the oldest. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cAnd as for the owls\u2019 packages–what you saw, I\u2019m fairly certain, were mice or chipmunks or moles, certainly not messages. \u00a0The point is children, \u00a0please, just stay out of the woods.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now, here I am, breaking my own rule,\u201d \u00a0she thinks. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cPatty, wait up,\u201d she calls as she makes her way deeper into the trees. \u00a0Overhead she hears the rustle of the pines and the swoosh of wings. \u00a0\u00a0Despire the heat and humidity, Claire feels a chill run down her spine as she hurries after the sound of the dog\u2019s barking.<\/span><\/p>\n

~~~<\/span><\/p>\n

Dusk\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

At six o\u2019clock, the house has grown dark. \u00a0\u00a0The youngest complains, \u201cI\u2019m hungry.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The oldest, not moving his eyes from his video game, says, \u201cGet a fruit snack from the snack drawer.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI did but I\u2019m still hungry. \u00a0\u00a0Where is Mom?\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The middle child, turns on a lamp. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019m hungry too. \u00a0Where <\/span>is<\/span><\/i> Mom?\u201d she asks. \u00a0\u00a0She walks from room to room calling, \u201cMom, Mom.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t find, Mom,\u201d she says to the oldest. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill you two chill out? \u00a0\u00a0She went outside to check on the chickens. \u00a0\u00a0She\u2019s probably out there cleaning the coop or something,\u201d says the oldest. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut it\u2019s dark,\u201d says the youngest. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a light in the coop,\u201d says the oldest, not breaking eye-contact with the screen. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cShe\u2019s fine. \u00a0\u00a0Just calm down.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The youngest runs to the window and looks out into the yard. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cThere\u2019s no light on, in the coop,\u201d he says. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry. \u00a0Mom\u2019s just lost track of time. \u00a0\u00a0She keeps complaining about the clocks lately,\u201d says the oldest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, let\u2019s make a peanut butter sandwich,\u201d says the middle one. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cDad will be home soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

~ ~ ~<\/span><\/p>\n

Intent upon climbing the rather steep terrain in the woods, \u00a0\u00a0Claire doesn\u2019t notice night approaching until she arrives at a clearing and it is dark. \u00a0\u00a0She stops and looks around. \u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s not pitch dark but now the trees are only shadows and before her is a large, grey boulder in the middle of the clearing. \u00a0\u00a0She climbs onto it and looks around. \u00a0\u00a0In the distance she hears Patty barking. \u00a0Overhead she hears the pine trees swaying as the wind picks up. \u00a0\u00a0Ever so often she hears the now familiar swoosh of wings. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cNot bats,\u201d she thinks and shivers. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cBlood thirsty little mammals, with webbed wings and beady eyes–intent on flying into your hair.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She puts her hands on her head and tugs at the hood of \u00a0the \u00a0rain poncho. \u00a0\u201c Oh, that\u2019s probably a myth. \u00a0They could care less about my hair,\u201d she rationalizes and shakes the thought out of her mind. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cA hawk or an owl – maybe. \u00a0\u00a0The kids did say they saw owls in the woods. \u00a0Probably after my chicken and rooster–and now Patty, too.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

She faces the sound of the dog\u2019s barking, cups her hands around her mouth and calls, \u201cPatty, \u00a0Patty–come her girl.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0Over and over she calls. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0She resorts to calling the chicken and rooster by name, \u201cCilla, Chanticleer, Cilla, Chanticleer.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s no use. \u00a0\u00a0I can\u2019t leave the dog out here. \u00a0\u00a0The chicken and rooster, well they got themselves into this mess, \u00a0I can rationalize leaving them, \u00a0I guess–but not the family pet.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0And so with that she slides down off the boulder and heads deeper into the woods, \u00a0in the direction of the barking. <\/span><\/p>\n

~ ~ ~<\/span><\/p>\n

High Water<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s your mother?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

The children look up from their computer games at their father who is standing in the doorway, \u00a0rainwater dripping off his raincoat. \u00a0\u00a0The oldest shrugs. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know,\u201d \u00a0the middle one says, as she refills the youngest\u2019s milk glass. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s with the chickens,\u201d the youngest joins in. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe chickens?\u201d \u00a0the father asks. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s pouring raining. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hasn\u2019t your mother been watching the news?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor God\u2019s sake, \u00a0we have an emergency here, \u00a0of which <\/span>no one<\/span><\/i> has the remotest idea,\u201d the father says as he opens the back door and heads out to the chicken coop. \u00a0\u00a0Halfway across the yard, \u00a0he pauses, turns around and walks back into the house. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want everyone, off the computers. \u00a0\u00a0Turn off the T.V.. \u00a0\u00a0Go to your rooms and pack an overnight back. \u00a0\u00a0We have to leave.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The children are startled by their fathers tone. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d the oldest asks. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe frigging roads are flooded, the river is rising and we need to evacuate! \u00a0\u00a0So get a move on while I find your mother,\u201d \u00a0the father fairly shouts and heads out the back door.<\/span><\/p>\n

The children rush to their rooms to pack. \u00a0\u00a0The father rummages through the kitchen drawers, \u00a0finds a flashlight, and heads back out into the rain.<\/span><\/p>\n

~ ~ ~<\/span><\/p>\n

Surveillance<\/strong><\/p>\n

Richard switches on his computer. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cBetter check the cameras,\u201d \u00a0he says out loud. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His wife, \u00a0Terrie, is mostly deaf and doesn\u2019t hear him. \u00a0\u00a0She watches the weather news on T.V.. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cRichard, \u00a0the roads are flooding. \u00a0\u00a0Do you think we are okay staying here?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHell, yes,\u201d he says frowning. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhere would we go if we were to leave? \u00a0\u00a0Everything is fine. \u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s just a storm like any other storm.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

With that he starts checking the surveillance cameras. \u00a0\u00a0The cameras record only when there is movement and the graphs show movement, on a timeline, \u00a0in green. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cAw, what do we have here?\u201d he says and clicks on the green bar. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The playback shows a flock of birds flying in unison. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Richard moves to the next green-timeline, this time a fox is chasing something. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhat the hell is that?\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Richard pauses the video stream–frame by frame. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cIs that a chicken?\u201d \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He clicks slowly through the frames and sees, in addition to the chicken–a rooster. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The fox closes in but just at the last moment, both chicken and rooster fly up into a pine tree. \u00a0\u00a0The fox circles below and then settles down to wait.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy, my my,\u201d Richard clicks his tongue in disgust. \u00a0\u201cIf it ain\u2019t the neighbor’s kids, it\u2019s their goddamn chickens running a muck on my property.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0He switches to real-time mode and checks each camera, in turn. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSon-of-a-bitch,\u201d he fairly shouts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that you say, Richard?\u201d Terrie asks looking up from the TV.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s that woman from next door. \u00a0\u00a0She\u2019s out in the woods–up by the shack. \u00a0\u00a0What the hell? \u00a0Can\u2019t they keep themselves on their own property?\u201d \u00a0Richard grunts. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m getting my gun. \u00a0\u00a0I\u2019ve had just about enough of this,\u201d he says as he grabs his hat and coat and heads out the door–shotgun in hand. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRichard, you be careful, now,\u201d Terri calls out after him. \u00a0\u201cDon\u2019t go catching a cold. \u00a0\u00a0Remember what the doctor said.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~ ~ ~<\/span><\/p>\n

Patty Discovers Something<\/strong><\/p>\n

The rain has let up, the temperature drops causing the ground to steam. \u00a0\u00a0Claire finds herself in a fog. \u00a0\u00a0From time to time, the clouds break, and the moon provides some light–in the now-dark woods. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGod, I wish I had my cell phone,\u201d she says to herself, making her way carefully uphill, through briers and undergrowth. \u00a0\u00a0She calls for the dog. \u00a0\u00a0Thankfully she can still hear Patty and follows the sound of her barking. \u00a0\u201cIf I had my cell phone, I could call the kids and let them know where I am. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0And it would make a good flashlight–which would be mighty handy,\u201d she says as she makes her way to a clearing and what looks like a path. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA path–maybe deer?\u201d \u00a0\u00a0The path is in the direction of Patty\u2019s barking, so she follows it. \u00a0\u00a0It disappears and reappears in the fog. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Claire is sweating and clammy but she dare not remove her slicker. \u00a0\u00a0It provides some protection from the briers and thorns. \u00a0Her shoes–the crocs she wears to work in the garden–are now caked with red mud and slippery. \u00a0\u00a0She stops and removes each, \u00a0one at a time, bangs them on a tree-trunk, knocks off some of the mud, then continues up the path. \u00a0\u00a0Patty\u2019s barking is louder. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cPatty, P-a-t-t-y,\u201d she calls. \u00a0\u00a0The fog clears and she sees something–off the path–in another clearing–the shed. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat on earth?\u201d Claire makes her way to the shed, a lean-to. \u00a0There is a covered-porch of sorts. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhat\u2019s this doing here?\u201d \u00a0Claire knocks on the door, knowing that there would be no answer. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cHello, anyone here?\u201d she calls out. \u00a0\u00a0She tries the door, but it is locked. \u00a0She stoops down to peek in the keyhole–darkness. \u00a0\u00a0And as she is about to straighten up, \u00a0something comes rushing down the path and jumps on her back. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Claire screams. \u00a0\u00a0She falls forward and rolls over as Patty licks her face, barking and jumping.. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShit–you scared the bejesus out of me! \u00a0\u00a0Crazy dog.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Claire sits up and reaches for Patty who alternately barks, runs to the path and runs back to Claire. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome here, girl. \u00a0\u00a0Where have you been?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Patty allows herself to be hugged but then races back to the path and stands there barking. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo did you find Chanticleer and Cilla? \u00a0\u00a0Is that it?\u201d \u00a0\u00a0Patty continues to bark and hops up and down on her front feet. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, let\u2019s go get them–good girl,\u201d Claire stands and follows Patty up the path, further into the woods. \u00a0\u00a0It begins to rain, again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Patty runs ahead turning to see if Claire is following. \u00a0Just a short way from the shed, they come upon what is probably the largest tree in the forest. \u00a0\u00a0Patty stops short and begins whining. \u00a0\u00a0She looks up at Claire–her ears flat against her head. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Patty?\u201d Claire stoops down and places her hand on Patty\u2019s head. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cCalm down, girl. \u00a0\u00a0What is it?\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Patty continues to whine and sits on the ground–panting hard. \u00a0\u00a0Claire calms the dog. \u00a0\u00a0The rain slows and stops, a hard wind blows, \u00a0the clouds move and allow the moonlight to shine on the path and the tree. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n


\nIt is then that Claire sees the fox, \u00a0standing under the tree–looking up into the branches of the pine. \u00a0\u00a0Claire, still crouched on the path, \u00a0moves her glance up the tree and sees–on the lowest branch, yet out of reach of the fox–Chanticleer and Cilla, holding on tightly. \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

~ ~ ~<\/span><\/p>\n

Back at the House – A Change in Plans<\/strong><\/p>\n

Claire\u2019s cell phone starts to ring. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The middle child runs and picks it up, \u201cHello, Mom is that you?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s Dad. \u00a0\u00a0Your mother\u2019s phone is in the house, then, I take it,\u201d \u00a0\u00a0he says. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cGet your brother on the phone,\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She runs to her brother\u2019s room. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cHere, Dad wants to talk to you,\u201d she says as she hands the oldest the phone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDad?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cListen, carefully. \u00a0\u00a0Stop packing. \u00a0\u00a0We will have to stay here and find your mother. \u00a0\u00a0I want you to go to the kitchen and fill all the jugs you can find with water. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Then fill the bathtubs with water.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause the well may become contaminated, if it\u2019s not already–we\u2019ll have to test the water before we use it. \u00a0\u00a0I\u2019m going to look for your mother but I want you kids to stay in the house. \u00a0\u00a0Make some soup or mac-and-cheese for dinner. \u00a0Wait for me. \u00a0\u00a0You are in charge until I get back. \u00a0I\u2019ll call every fifteen minutes or so. \u00a0\u00a0Can you do that?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

The boy answers, \u201cYes. \u00a0\u00a0We\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, good. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Plug in your mother\u2019s cell phone so that it will be fully charged. \u00a0I\u2019ll call back in fifteen minutes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if the power goes out?\u201d he asks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen use the flashlights in the kitchen drawer. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Get the battery-powered-lanterns out of the garage, now and have them ready. \u00a0\u00a0When I get back I can start the generator–don\u2019t try to start that yourself. \u00a0Wait for me. \u00a0\u00a0Got it?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Ok, Dad.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The father hangs up and begins his trek around the pond, then the outer edges of the property and finally makes his way to the woods. \u00a0\u201cClaire, Claire, where are you?\u201d \u00a0He shines his light into the woods. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0In the distance he sees a light, moving–uphill. \u00a0\u00a0He makes for \u00a0the light. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cClaire,\u201d he calls. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The light keeps moving, deeper into the woods. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~ ~ ~<\/span><\/p>\n

The Shed in the Woods<\/strong><\/p>\n

Richard reaches the shed. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0He checks the door; it is locked. \u00a0\u00a0He walks around the building but sees no sign of anyone. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0He steps onto the porch, leans his gun against the shed wall, removes his cap and adjusts the head-strap on his head-lamp. \u00a0\u00a0He places his cap back on his head and rummages through his pocket for his keys. \u00a0\u00a0Shining the head-lamp on the keyhole, he unlocks the door and steps inside the shed and glances around the room. \u00a0\u00a0There is his chair and table–in the middle of the room–surrounded by shelves. \u00a0\u00a0He moves to the table, adjusts the wick on the kerosene lamp, removes a match from the box of matches on the table, strikes it and lights the lamp. \u00a0\u00a0The room lights up. \u00a0\u00a0He walks to the built-in shelves. \u00a0\u00a0He opens a drawer. \u00a0The light catches on the instruments–surgical. \u00a0He closes the drawer. \u00a0\u00a0He half turns to the shelf of books. \u00a0\u00a0He notices a book has fallen over and picks it up. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFowls, Advanced Taxidermy,\u201d he reads out loud. \u00a0\u00a0He returns it to the shelf and sets it straight beside a row of similarly titled books and periodicals. \u00a0\u00a0He turns his attention to the other shelves and admires his handiwork–a score of stuffed birds, mice, rabbits, a beaver , a fox, three cats, a dog and a fox–in various poses, glassy eyes staring at him. \u00a0Each one is costumed. \u00a0\u00a0Some are paired, male and female. \u00a0\u00a0Others stand alone, a singular, lonely creature, dressed in a non-sensible dresses, coats and hats. \u00a0\u00a0He picks up one of the cats–the white one–dressed in a French maid costume and sets it carefully on the table. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0He walks to clothes rack in the corner of the shed and slides the hangers one by one until he finds the French maid costume, in his size. \u00a0\u00a0He holds it up to himself and looks in the full-length mirror attached to the wall next to the rack. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo time now,\u201d he says as a gust of wind bangs the shed door. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Richard tosses the costume on the chair and moves to the door. \u00a0\u00a0He hears a clicking sound, followed by a barking noise. \u00a0He points his head-lamp in the direction of the sound. \u00a0It is in the trees, headed uphill. \u00a0He extinguishes the lamp, closes and locks the shed door–then retrieving his gun follows the sound–into the woods.<\/span><\/p>\n

~ ~ ~<\/span><\/p>\n

A Situation in the Woods<\/strong><\/p>\n

When she sees the fox, Claire stands but before she can shout and wave her arms to scare it off, \u00a0she hears the owl barking–her wings making a clicking noise as she approaches the tree. \u00a0\u00a0The fox hears it too and takes off into the undergrowth–running for cover. \u00a0\u00a0Claire runs to the tree, Patty at her heels, \u201cChanticleer, \u00a0Cilla,\u201d she calls. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Before she reaches the tree, \u00a0Chanticleer raises his head, makes an oo-oo sound and then loudly crows. \u00a0\u00a0Cilla immediately leaves the branch and flutters to the ground. \u00a0\u00a0Chanticleer lets out another crow and flutters to the ground. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Claire scoops them up in her arms while Patty barks. \u00a0\u00a0The owl settles on a branch high in the tree, hooting and barking. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a mess you guys got yourself into. \u00a0\u00a0Let\u2019s get out of here before you\u2019re a certain someone\u2019s dinner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A light shines on Claire. \u00a0\u201cWell what have we here?\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At the sound of the voice, Claire screams. \u00a0\u00a0Patty growls and shows her teeth. \u00a0\u00a0Blinded by the light shining in her eyes, Claire says, \u201cWho are you? \u00a0\u00a0What do you want?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho am I? \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Who am I? \u00a0\u00a0Just who do you <\/span>think<\/span><\/i> I am? \u00a0\u00a0And who do you think <\/span>you <\/span><\/i>are–traipsing around on my property?\u201d \u00a0Richard growls. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cAnd I see you have a couple of chickens. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Where do you think you\u2019re going with them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it\u2019s you, Richard,\u201d Claire says relieved. \u00a0I\u2019m Claire–from next door,\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I know who you are. \u00a0What are you doing up here in the dark–snooping?\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you kindly stop shining your light in my eyes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After a few moments, Richard moves the light from Claire\u2019s face, but not before he runs his light up and down her body.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd stop that!\u201d \u00a0Claire says indignantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLooks who\u2019s giving orders,\u201d \u00a0Richard laughs. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cIt seems you don\u2019t understand your situation.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? \u00a0\u00a0What situation?\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlone here, in my woods–absconding with my poultry.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour poultry? \u00a0You have got to be kidding. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I only came here to retrieve my chicken and rooster.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, \u00a0let\u2019s see,\u201d \u00a0He drawls out. \u00a0\u201cDo you have any proof their yours? \u00a0\u00a0They are on my land and what\u2019s on my land is clearly mine,\u201d Richard snaps.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll just see about that.\u201d \u00a0Claire steps forward to walk around him. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Richard raises his gun. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cMissy, you go when I say go, not before.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0He takes a step closer to her and reaches for Cilla. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cGive me that chicken. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0We\u2019ll just have ourselves a little chicken dinner–or a nice stuff fowl.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0He reaches for Cilla and grabs her by the neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cilla squawks. \u00a0\u00a0Chanticleer, crows and breaks free of Claire\u2019s grasp. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0In a fury of flapping wings, he flies toward Richard\u2019s head. \u00a0Patty joins in the attack and runs at Richard–growling and barking. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCall you dog off, or I\u2019ll kill it–right here and now. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Call it off.\u201d \u00a0Richard shouts ducking his head from Chanticleer\u2019s attack<\/span><\/p>\n

Patty grabs the cuff of Richard\u2019s trousers and growls furiously. \u00a0\u00a0Richard points his gun at the Yorkie. \u00a0\u00a0The rooster crows and using his spurs–attacks Richard\u2019s head. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d \u00a0Claire screams and runs towards the dog and Richard. \u00a0But to her surprise it is not Patty that crumples to the ground but Richard.<\/span><\/p>\n

He lays on the ground writhing–the gun beside him. \u00a0\u00a0Patty races around Richard barking. \u00a0\u00a0Chanticleer continues to peck Richards head–crowing all the while. .<\/span><\/p>\n

Claire kicks the gun away from Richard\u2019s reach. \u00a0\u201cChanticleer–good boy.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0She reaches for the rooster and holds him in her arms. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0She strokes his feathers and crouches down beside Richard. \u00a0\u201cYou\u2019re bleeding. \u00a0\u00a0You\u2019ve shot yourself in the foot. \u00a0What on earth is wrong with you?\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was protecting what is mine and defending myself from your crazy rooster and ravenous dog,\u201d he groans.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you were taking what is mine–and being an ass, too. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Who takes a shotgun to their neighbor? \u00a0\u00a0You\u2019ve flipped out this time, Richard.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All he can manage in response is another groan. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cI need your head-lamp,\u201d \u00a0Claire says. \u00a0She gently sets the rooster down. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0She removes Richards cap and then the light. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0She puts the light on her head and shines it on Richard\u2019s foot. \u00a0She unlaces his boot and removes it. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRichard, I\u2019m going to use your sock as a bandage. \u00a0\u00a0It looks like you\u2019ve shot the outer side of your foot but it\u2019s not too bad. \u00a0\u00a0This will stop the bleeding.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh so you\u2019re a doctor now–who are you to say it\u2019s bad or not bad? \u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s killing me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, Richard–I could just walk away–leave you here. \u00a0\u00a0But I won\u2019t because I\u2019m not that kind of person. \u00a0\u00a0So why not just shut up for awhile.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Richard glares at her. \u00a0Patty starts barking. \u201cOh no, now it\u2019s that damn dog of yours–keep it away from me. \u00a0You people will be the death of me. \u00a0\u00a0You can be damn sure I\u2019m suing you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A light–from the path–shines on Claire and then Richard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cClaire? \u00a0\u00a0Oh my God! \u00a0\u00a0What happened here?\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Claire stands and sees her husband. \u00a0\u00a0She runs to him and hugs him around the neck. \u00a0\u201cAm I glad to see you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with Richard?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe has shot himself in the foot, trying to shoot Patty. \u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s a long story. \u00a0\u00a0We need to get him out of the rain,\u201d Claire says.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy shoot Patty?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRichard tried to attack Cilla, then Chanticleer attacked Richard, then Patty joined in and then Richard tried to shoot Patty but shot himself instead,\u201d \u00a0Claire explains. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho is Cilla?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCilla\u2019s the hen. \u00a0\u00a0Chanticleer is the rooster.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0Claire points at the hen, then at the rooster.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all lies. \u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s her word against mine. \u00a0\u00a0Your wife was going to shoot me and I wrestled the gun from her and got injured. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0You\u2019ll be hearing from my lawyers.\u201d \u00a0Richard groans.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShut up, Richard! \u00a0Claire, help me get him up. \u00a0\u00a0I saw a shed back there we can take him to. \u00a0\u00a0I think I can manage if he can hop on one foot,\u201d the husband says. \u00a0He pulls out his phone and checks for a signal. \u00a0\u00a0He calls the children. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello,\u201d the oldest answers the phone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Dad. \u00a0\u00a0I found your mother. \u00a0\u00a0Are you guys ok?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is she?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s here with me in the woods. \u00a0Are you guys ok?\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cYes. \u00a0\u00a0We ate dinner. \u00a0\u00a0Mac-n-cheese and some hot dogs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood, we\u2019ll be back within an hour. \u00a0\u00a0I\u2019ll call you again in a bit.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The next call was to 911. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The husband spoke quietly and gave the details and location. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cYes, the gun is here. \u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s on the ground. \u00a0\u00a0Yes, we\u2019ll leave it there. \u00a0\u00a0No, there\u2019s a shed–not too far but you might need a ATV to haul him down the hill.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They make their way to the shed–the husband supporting Richard, Claire holding the chickens tucked under her arms and Patty trotting ahead–leading the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the shed, the husband asks, \u00a0\u201cRichard, do you have a key on you for the door?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNever-mind that. \u00a0\u00a0I need to get on home, to a doctor or hospital. \u00a0\u00a0Let\u2019s keep going,\u201d Richard grumbles. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo can do. \u00a0\u00a0We\u2019re leaving you here in this nice dry shed and the EMS will be coming for you. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t want anyone invading my privacy. \u00a0\u00a0If you don\u2019t take me down with you, I\u2019ll sue.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRichard, shut up. \u00a0Give me the key or I\u2019ll search you for it or better yet, I\u2019ll break the damn door down. \u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s up to you,\u201d the husband counters.<\/span><\/p>\n

Richard reaches into his pocket and retrieves the keys. \u00a0\u201cDon\u2019t break the door down. \u00a0\u00a0Just open it. \u00a0\u00a0You let me go in alone. \u00a0\u00a0You can leave me. \u00a0\u00a0I\u2019ll wait here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The husband opens the door. \u00a0\u00a0Ignoring Richard\u2019s instructions, Claire shines the light into the room and walks in. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0She places the chickens on the floor and lights the lamp. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy, my, my—Richard,\u201d the husband says as he helps Richard into the chair. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhat have we here?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNone of your business,\u201d Richard shouts. \u00a0\u201cGet out. \u00a0\u00a0Leave me be.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0He flops into the chair. <\/span><\/p>\n

Claire picks up the French maid costume from the chair. \u00a0\u201cWhat\u2019s this? \u00a0Oh, my.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0She drops it immediately when she sees the cat on the table–dressed in a matching outfit. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t that the neighbor\u2019s cat, Smokey?\u201d she gasps. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She then sees the other animals on the shelves. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cNo!\u201d \u00a0Claire puts her hands over her mouth. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cThat\u2019s Sammy,\u201d she says and points to the little stuff dog dressed in a kilt. \u00a0\u201cThat\u2019s our little Sammy–gone missing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She stares at Richard. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cDespicable–creepy–disgusting man.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0Claire \u00a0looks at her husband who is shaking his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Richard. \u00a0\u00a0Deacon and all–have your little secrets up here in the woods, don\u2019t you. \u00a0\u00a0Wouldn\u2019t want this to get out now, would you \u00a0A regular little weirdo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook at these animals,\u201d Claire gasps. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cWho cares what he dresses up like–but these poor little creatures–he\u2019s stepped over the line.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMorbid,\u201d the husband remarks. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet out,\u201d \u00a0Richard yells and bangs his fist on the table. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOk, Richard. \u00a0\u00a0You sit tight. \u00a0\u00a0The EMS are coming with an ATV to take care of you. \u00a0\u00a0We need to get back to our kids. \u00a0\u00a0If they don\u2019t come within an hour or so, \u00a0I\u2019ll round up some of the other neighbors and we\u2019ll come get you, ourselves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t bother. \u00a0\u00a0Just get off my property.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cClaire, take a picture of Richard\u2019s wound so we can show the EMS guys. \u00a0\u00a0They\u2019ll want to be prepared.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Claire takes the cell phone and clicks off a few pictures–including a couple of the Sammy and Snowball. \u00a0She picks up Chanticleer and Cilla. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cCome on Patty. \u00a0\u00a0Let\u2019s get out of here before you guys are turned into one of his trophies. \u00a0\u00a0Let\u2019s go home.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The husband holding onto the door knob looks at Richard. \u00a0\u201cRichard stay put. \u00a0\u00a0Rest yourself. \u00a0\u00a0Help will be here soon.\u201d \u00a0He closes the shed door. \u00a0\u00a0Richard growls. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere, I\u2019ll carry one of those,\u201d the husband says as he reaches for Chanticleer. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Chanticleer ruffles his feathers and lets out a loud crow. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cThat-a-boy…let them know who\u2019s king of the roost. \u00a0\u00a0What did you say his name is, Claire?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChanticleer,\u201d \u00a0she says.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat time is it anyway?\u201d she asks as they walk down the path– toward home. <\/span><\/p>\n

(c) Glenda Kotchish March, 2016<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This short story is about a woman who finds herself frustrated with the changing of clocks. \u00a0And she’s not the only one. The Clocks Change On the second day, after they change the clocks back, it starts to rain. \u00a0\u00a0 Claire is pissed–not about the rain–but about the clocks. \u201cFall back – one hour, come […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":33,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-56","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/glendakotchish.com\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/56","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/glendakotchish.com\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/glendakotchish.com\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/glendakotchish.com\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/glendakotchish.com\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"http:\/\/glendakotchish.com\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/56\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":112,"href":"http:\/\/glendakotchish.com\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/56\/revisions\/112"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/glendakotchish.com\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/glendakotchish.com\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}