The Deal

Cold wind whips through the Trees, the Trees that are watching me, on the first day of winter. In the middle of the woods I stand, alone and quiet, waiting for the man. I stand still for hours, listening to the sound of the rustling leaves, until finally a shadow appears in the distance, coming closer. I stand still and he comes forward, wrapped in a red scarf, a black trench coat sweeps the forest floor as he beckons me forward. But I do not move. Not yet. It is not time yet. The wind blows harder and the leaves begin to swirl. He takes two steps forward and beckons me again. But I do not move. Not yet. It is not time yet. The sun sets and the cold seeps in. The woods are dark. The wind continues to blow and I wait until midnight on the first day of winter. The man takes three more steps forward and beckons me again. I go. It is time now. The deal has been made and I have his word. She is safe now. She will always be safe now. I take his hand and close my eyes, but it is okay. She is safe now.