Red Land

Daniel stayed off the beaten paths trying to run in shallow creeks or rock beds, anything that would hide his tracks. He kept checking to see if anyone was following, but he felt reasonably sure he was alone in the west Alabama forest. Daniel talked to the horse like an old trusted friend as he slowed the horse to a trot, and then slower still, to a walk. He dismounted at the edge of the pond allowing the horse to move in closer. On bended knee he leaned down to the clear, refreshing, life-giving wonder...water. Scooping handfuls into his mouth he was reminded he had eaten very little that morning. He slurped again and again, eyes closed, knowing that would have to sustain him. The horse had his fill before Daniel and backed away nibbling the long grass.

 “OK, Boy. We'll rest a minute; you eat all you want.”

Daniel turned back to the pond. Its crystal clear, dark surface covered with lily pads, were once lush green, but now had turned to warm autumn-colored hues. The pond was bursting with the last color of the season and he studied the pads that had deepened to purple, oranges that had faded to dull yellows, their red veins contrasting, showing their beauty. Scattered atop were fallen leaves, all multi shaped, causing the smooth surface of the water to appear textured. The rocks nearby looked like moss-covered inverted bowls, and Daniel reached out, compelled to touch the slick green organisms.

Between the foliage Daniel caught a reflection of his face in the mirrored surface and moaned softly. Dried blood formed a broken line from the ear down to his neck. One eye was swollen and the opposite cheekbone was crimson and raw, like an uncooked steak. He stared at his bloodied hands, wondering if they belonged to him, then quickly submerged them under water. He pulled lily pads from their resting place and used them like a cloth, scrubbing his hands and forearms until they were pink as the fresh bruises on his face. He softened the rubbing as he neared the face, because it was so tender. He grabbed another batch of lily pads rolling them into a ball and held them at his temples, hoping the cool water would lessen the swelling. Eager to rest, he stretched out on his back, and before he knew it, Hollies’ face loomed before him. 

Oh, my God, his subconscious spoke. You've killed a man. You literally beat him to death. You'll be forever labeled a killer. Your wife and children, and the children after them, will always remember you as one who took the life of another. You had  everything in the world - a woman who loved you, children, and a homestead with some of the richest farm land in Alabama. You had a chance to establish yourself in a nice community and live out your life as a respectable farmer. Isn't that what you wanted? You finally found a place where you could fit in. You created your own blood line, your own family; things were good for you, Daniel. Now, it’s lost. Everything is lost.