14

14
Running past houses, your figure reflects in windows and in children's actions. The elderly don't blink. You pause in front of him and everyone listens as you say, "Wait."
"Cut!" he responds while taking back the front of the line. You march ahead, past the restaurant and out of town. He finally turns and says, "What? You, again?"
Of course, you say "yes" and use the chance to say something. "How do you do?"
He says "Swamp brain. Jump out of the pond, scumbag."
You laugh and respond, "never mind." He winks and leaves in a blink. Next, you see two women coming from the old man's horizon, carrying tomatoes toward you.
As they approach, you see their hands and mouths stained red. Mud drips across their faces. They have been smothered by a harvest. You smile and feel satisfied to see them.
"Hello." "Hello." "Hello." You exchange hellos.
"I'm looking for somebody," you say. They look at you and say "I'm Soli." "I'm Lacy." Soli then pulls Lacy past you, and back toward Lexington. Both of them laugh hysterically, and pull you with rolling eyes. You start to follow them, but you hesitate.
It's growing dark and time to find sleep, again. Crows caw from buzzing telephone wires, watching you walk. Which way now might mean which way forever: you are tired of this mystery, and afraid that you will sooner find yourself in an institution than find your friend in Lexington.
[To leave Lexington, continue. To follow them, stop and go take a break. Then go to chapter 16]