a moment ago.

"Just there, and again... there. Do you see it?"

"No, nothing. Where are you looking?"

"There, off in the distance, near that stump, the dark tree stump on the left. I think I saw it."

"I see the stump, maybe."

"Maybe it was nothing. I dunno. It looked like a quick flash of light. Like a reflection, or a glimmer. Maybe it will come back."

"I'll be ready this time."

The cool night air grazed across their necks, standing up the hairs on the back of their heads. They could both feel it, at the same time, and then nothing. Jared raised his riffle again, using the scope to attempt another look, but there was nothing, once again.