Front Porch Rambles

They were just finishing the short demonstration on the faux-bouldered shore of Sea Lion Lake.  The leftover herring splashed in scattered handfuls as the keepers emptied their pails.  Fur glistened over smooth muscle and the animals dove into the water, where they became gliding shadows under the surface. The turquoise water gleamed beside the dark wet cement. So beautiful, the man thought.  Looks like something that belonged to some exotic destination like Hawaii, or the Florida Keys.  He'd never been.   A few last minute questions were called out and answered, but the crowd was dispersing and the man pushed his way through until he was pressed against the rail.  The animals were lazily gliding back and forth across the long pool, pausing to frolic here and there.  He could just see the underwater viewing tunnel at the far end of the clear waters.  Beneath the surface, Millie and Roscoe danced to the delight of children with their faces presse...

Everyone froze when they saw. The women put their hands to their faces.  A little girl cried.   Yesterday after breakfast, Shay screamed from the backyard.  Maria's muscles untensed as she recognized joy in the piercing cry.  She was safe. A smiling, bouncing angel appeared at the back door. "What is it, Shay?" Her heart pounded from the jolt of adrenaline. "Momma!" The girl suddenly giggling. "I found bunnies!" She knew the newborns were alone in the world.  Maria had found what was left of their mother while mowing the lawn, and removed the ugly carcass to the woods. It was a world full of ugly truths, but Shayna wouldn't have to face them yet.  One day she'd know the truth, and she could deal with it how she had to.   It was a bit hot for all the games Maria had planned, and the flock of six-year-old girls and boys were scattered about.  The bunnies, snug in old dish towels, had been returned to their box in Shayna's new room. Maria reme...