Again, it happens. Why does life have to be so cruel? What did I do wrong this time? He spends days, sometimes weeks away from his family, and he gets mad at me for spending a few hours with my friends. That’s it. I had it. I can’t. I won’t take this kind of treatment anymore. I must leave this man. I must leave Hank.

Oh, who am I kidding? Here I am in this chilly weather just thinking, pushing a stroller, with a five-year-old in it. I find myself thinking about the twins, Mason and Nicholas. How am I going to explain to two sixteen-year olds that Mommy took their younger sister, but not them, from the cruel confines of their father?

During the autumn season, Castle Rock wasn’t so busy with tourists. It was kind of quiet. Well, most of the time. Every now and again, a hoot or a holler could be heard from a neighbor for various reasons. Other than that, not much goes on here. Castle Rock looked beautiful this time of year with the leaves changing to red, yellow, and brown, but she can only stand the cold for a few hours. Once the winter months arrive and the freezing cold sets in, she wouldn’t be able to get away for very long.

During tourist season, which runs from the spring equinox to around the end of the summer solstice, is when things started getting a little on the bizarre side. Everyone was so drawn to that old castle at the beach end of town. Why? She may never know.

Natasha Krill turned her daughter, Lizzy’s, stroller around. It was time to face the music. She dreaded what he might say since she has been gone so long. How long did she walk? She was so upset she didn’t even realize it was just about dark. Great, now she was going to be in for it.

Natasha peeked in on Lizzy. Fast asleep. She unbuckled her daughter and slowly crept inside. Her small trailer felt like a tuna can and she was the fish trapped in it.
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