Nayeli rubbed her hands together in front of the fireplace and then held them up, palms toward the flickering flames. Her fingers tingled. It was bitterly cold outside at that altitude, especially once the sun set. If only she could stay put.

She sighed, rubbed her hands together one more time, and then rose from her squatting position. She could make out the rough interior of the small cabin in the firelight, but outside the reaches of the flames, it was pitch black. That didn’t matter. She had been there before.

Nayeli grabbed the bag and swung it over her shoulder. She pulled her black textured gloves on and stepped up to the door. Lightly placing her hand on the latch, she paused and listened. Silence. She opened the door without a noise, thanks to her trusty WD-40 used earlier in the evening.

She eased out the door under the shadow of the front overhang. The moon had just come out from behind the clouds. It lit up the clearing. She stood, waiting for cloud cover, and watched the tree-line. Once again, the moon disappeared.

Nayeli took a deep breath, jumped silently off the side of the porch and ran for the trees. She glanced behind her. She could barely make out the smoke coming out of the chimney from the fire she left going. But it would be enough. A shiver raced up her spine. They would come.

To read the next installment, click here.

Sign up to receive a monthly email here.