Chapter 14
Susie walked onto her deck and set the groceries she had on the small table by the door. She walked to the front of the deck and sat in one of the chairs. Jasmine was seated on the railing, grooming. Susie looked out at the familiar view, trying to settle herself inside. It was early evening and the sun had started to dip down toward the horizon. The water was calm in the bay, the light from the falling sun rippling on the water. Mount Augustine was haloed with clouds, light filtering through them in shafts of gold and rose. The field in front of her house was filled with fireweed, which was close to blooming, the tips of the tall flowery w**d bright fuchsia with buds. A raven called from its perch in a nearby tree, another immediately answering.
Susie took a slow breath. Jare
