Black Cow

As Alec drove through the winding roads of southern Stark County, his mind wandered to the busy upcoming weeks. He had just finished his last day working for the county park system. It had been a great summer job, but he began to think about his first year of college, which was looming ahead in just three short weeks. Alec had chosen his last day of work to be several weeks before school began so that he could pack up, help his mom around the house and visit with friends before leaving for college in Cincinnati. The sun had set about a half an hour before and now the night shadows crept out on either side of the road. Dueber Road was a secluded area of Stark County that was surrounded by forest. Alec liked driving this route with the curving roads and scarce traffic. As he slowed for a curve, he caught a movement out of the corner of his eye. Had someone just moved from beside the huge oak he just passed? Alec slowed down more and peered through his rear view mirror. A branch about eight feet high gently swayed on the huge tree. As Alec quickly reasoned with himself that a bird or squirrel must have just taken off from the branch, he sped back up and his mind returned to the weeks lying before him. From the woods, a pair of eyes watched as the black Jeep sped away.