STORIES: Parsonville

In the woods that fringed around the small Iowa town, there was a narrow footpath that ran along a creek where they’d play.  Tara was the only girl and the youngest of them and always ended up last in line as their bare feet uncautiously hopped and giant-stepped their way in single file.  She knew to stay way behind Billy Ducane if he were just in front of her because he’d hold back a branch out of his way then let it fly just to be mean.