Wild Hogs

I had been transferring my changes to the landscape plan to the computer. My eyes were tired and dry from moving little round circles and squares around a line-drawing of Ms. Ida's house.

The late afternoon sun was beaming through the shades, making the study warm. I rubbed my eyes and flipped my hair off my neck. Dust motes floated dreamily in the sunlit air. I leaned my head back against the chair and listened to the quiet.

I could stay like this all night and nothing would interrupt it. There would not be any kids running into the house, slamming the door. My husband would not traipse in, bringing sand in on his shoes. I could sit in this chair, and become lost in the quiet, forever frozen in time like a museum exhibit.

The warmth from the sun, the stillness, lulled my body to sleep. I felt like I was floating, and then, wham!

I was standing in a room made dark by light-blocking shades. I could sense the daylight outside, but inside I saw shadows moving in the corners. A seductive whispering emanated from them, the sound crawling up my spine and insinuating itself into my ears.

Something moved. I realized it was my sister, crouched down with her arms over her head. She was reciting the Lord's Prayer.

Holy cow, this was happening, really happening, and I was suddenly in the middle of it. I turned around and realized Rihanna was surrounded by these shadow beings. They undulated, their shadowy bodies trying to take form, then slowly falling apart again.

The blood rushed to my ears, and my heart raced. I swallowed, trying not to panic.

I remembered the Bible verse from Ephesians. I imagined myself clothed in God's armor, and I said, "By the power given to me through the blood of Christ Jesus, I command you to leave!"

No fireworks or loud explosions shook the house, but I felt them leave, scattered by my words and the protection of Jesus. The room lightened, and I sound came back.

I looked down at Rihanna. Her green eyes were wide. They looked bruised and tired. We stared at each other, not saying anything.

Bang, bang, bang! Loud knocking on my front door startled me awake. I jumped and nearly fell out of the chair.

"Mrs. Thompson! Mrs. Thompson, it's Bubba White. I need to talk to you!"

Bubba White made a living trapping the wild hogs threatening to overtake our area. He didn't come calling unless he had a very good reason.

Super Freak blared from my phone. I answered, "Rihanna, get outside and away from your room. I have someone at the front door. Let me get rid of him and I will call you right back. But, get out into the sun!"

"I'm already outside," she said. "Talk to you in a bit."

I guess my quiet had been interrupted in more than one way. Be careful what you wish for.