Chapter 21
The long Wisconsin winter finally passed, dragging its heels, clinging with both hands to spring’s threshold. But it passed. Hunter entered into spring filled with determination and hope. He had given himself several presents in anticipation of the season—a rototiller, hoe, and garden hose. Michael had given him seeds for strawberries, tomatoes, squash, green beans, bell peppers, and cabbage. His bedroom nightstand reading materials now included books on identifying wildflowers, mushrooms, and wildlife. He was in the middle of learning how to preserve wildflowers and butterflies.
He would never forget the nighttime visits of what he could only call “the thing.” He wished those memories would fade, as nightmares often did, or at least become surreal…but they remained chilling a
