The Incident at Pine Hills Mounds
Black-eyed kids and other shenanigans.
Foreword
Dear Colleagues,
I was preparing a report for you all when I got word that all of the work you did recently would be classified. For our team, this means that we’re no longer involved. Don’t take that negatively. We should all rejoice because it means that we don’t have to deal with it anymore.
I’m giving you all copies of what I wrote up to this point. I’ll write as much as I can remember, which may not be much. Thank you all for your hard work. Now, my fellow teachers, let’s approach our school like we approach our extra-curricular activities.
September Rain
Elisa Decker was hiking on FM 1821 toward her home near the Pine Hills Community. She had walked one mile, turned around, and was on her way back when the rainfall began. It was an unusually heavy rain, and Elisa didn’t want to get soaked, so she took refuge at the base of a very large oak tree that was growing alongside the road.
Elisa hoped that the rain wouldn’t last long. She was ready to get home, but evidently the rain had other ideas. Just then she saw the headlights of an older-looking farm truck coming slowly toward her. The pickup drew alongside the girl and came to a stop. The driver reached over and pushed the passenger side door open. “Come on,” said Jane Blackmon, “before you drown.”
The girl ran for the open door and made it inside without getting soaked. “Thank you, Ms. Blackmon,” said Elisa. “The rain is heavy, isn’t it?”
“You’re welcome. And yes, it’s usually not quite this heavy at this time of the year. You going home?” Jane asked because Elisa Decker, Esmeralda Olson, and Grace Howard were close friends who could usually be found in the company of one another. The girl could just as easily want to go to the Olson home or the Howard home.
Elisa glanced at her watch, nodding an affirmative. “Yes. I’m going home for the moment. In about an hour, Mom and I are supposed to go into Clarkston and buy something for Esmeralda’s birthday. Or we might go to Tenby. Actually, we may not go anywhere if the rain doesn’t slack up.”
“How old is Esmeralda going to be?” Jane asked.
“She’s about to turn 16,” Elisa answered. “When she does, me and her and Grace will all be 16.”
“I’ll have to see about getting her something,” said Jane. “Or I might slip her a little bit of cash. What do you think?”
“Knowing her, the money would be most appreciated.”
“Good to know,” Jane responded. “And here you go,” she continued, as she pulled into Elisa’s driveway. “Hope you don’t catch a cold from being outside today.”
“Thanks, Ms. Blackmon!” The girl got out, shut the door, and quickly ran onto her porch. She waved once she was out of the rain.
© 2023-2025 Ren Adama
