When September Ends
"Your nightmares follow you like a shadow, forever. "
― Aleksandar Hemon


There was fire and smoke. He ran across the lawn and into the thick, black cloud. Flames licked his skin, the heat searing his hair and flesh. He screamed, looking, searching.

Strong arms wrapped around him and pulled him back. He fell to the ground, in a fit of hysterics. Hot tears flowed from his eyes. He knelt in the grass, sobbing, as the firemen worked.

She was gone. She was gone and there was nothing he could do.


He woke with a start, his heart racing. Sweat rolled down his brow. He wiped it away with a shaky hand and looked at the luminous alarm clock by his bed. It read 4:15 AM.

With a frustrated groan, he stood up. He took a deep, calming breath as he stretched.

Another nightmare; he should be used to them by now, really. He had been having them for years. Yet, he could never shake them. He even suffered when he was awake. His entire life was a nightmare. He would never be rid of them; he had accepted that he would live with them forever.

Seth went into the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face. It was still early, even for him, but he knew he wasn't going to be able to go back to sleep. He stood, staring at his reflection. His eyes were dark, from lack of sleep, and glassy from tears that he refused to let fall. Crying wouldn't do him any good.

He changed, deciding a long run might make him feel better. He put on his running shoes and grabbed his work phone off of the night stand, knowing better than to leave it behind.


Seth lived in a small town in New Hampshire. It was a big change from his days in Miami, Florida. However, the change was much needed. Eaton was a small town, with under four hundred people. Seth had taken the job with the New Hampshire State Police two years prior, realizing he needed a change of scenery. He was one of many officers designated to Carroll County. He had picked Eaton to call his home because of the seclusion. He had felt then need to be alone.

Now, he still felt that need. He enjoyed his house on the lake and the many acres of woods surrounding it. The only downside was the long drive he had to endure to get into the city.

But there was one thing Seth loved most about Eaton, New Hampshire, the trails.

He ran almost every morning, finding it the best remedy for waking up from one of his reoccurring nightmares.

That morning a cool breeze surrounded him as he ran one of his favorite trails, a winding path through the woods that would take him around the lake. He found the scent or sap and earth comforting. He could hear the faint sound of woodland creatures scurrying away from him, an intruder in their environment.

He had always thought of himself as a city person, but he had learned there was nothing more comforting than a run in the woods.


When Seth returned home the sun was just rising over the lake. He dropped down and sat in the dewy grass along the water's edge. The light reflected off of the water, creating a beautiful image. He smiled, taking in the wondrous scene before him.

He sighed heavily when his cell phone rang, interrupting the peaceful moment. He hit the 'send' button before holding it up to his ear. "Hello?"

"Rollins, I know it's supposed to be your day off, but we need you to come in. Meet me at 115 East Main St. in Conway, there's been a murder."

"A murder?" Seth couldn't help but be surprised. Carroll County was a quiet place and violent crime was rather rare. "Are you sure?"

"I've been a cop longer than you've been out of school. Of course I'm sure; just get your ass moving." There was a click and the line went dead.

Seth sighed and stood up.

So much for his peaceful morning.


an. I know the first chapter is kind of short, but it's just the prologue. What did you guys think? Did you enjoy it? I hope you guys liked it enough to stick around. Don't forget to drop a review and let me know what you think! ~Danie.