Dingos Surrounded the Baby, but Something Older Watched From the Ridge

Who Is Waiting?

Before, Elsie had been putting together simple requests like "want cup," "see light," and "more mum." The next day, she used a phrase she knew in a different way. “Back,” Elsie said. When Elsie said it again, more forcefully, with her little finger pointing firmly toward the front door, they were sorting laundry.

Clara knelt down next to her. "Do you want to go back outside?""Elsie didn't say anything. She went straight to the screen door and put her little hand on the doorknob, making it apparent that she wanted it to open. Clara thought about it for a moment before doing what she was asked. Without being told, Elsie turned right away to face the ridge. Tom gently stopped her and heard her say, "He's waiting." Who was waiting?

A Stranger at the Fence

Three days later, when the sun went down behind the hills, Clara observed someone standing at the end of their fence line. She couldn't see the person's face since they were too far away, but she could sense them watching her. He stood still with his arms at his sides, neither walking or waiving. Tom hurried to grab the truck when she called him, but by the time they got to the gate, the figure was gone. They looked for footsteps, but the ground had hardened. Clara secured all the doors that night and brought Elsie to bed with them. She slept with one hand on her daughter's back, afraid to let go.