The Day the Sky Went Dark
Attack of The Shadow Creature
The summer sun blazed mercilessly over the cul-de-sac, baking the concrete and casting shimmering heat waves. The Jenkins’ backyard, however, was an oasis. Their sparkling blue pool and the promise of an afternoon barbecue had lured a small group of friends into a blissful Saturday retreat.
Ella reclined on a lounge chair, oversized sunglasses masking her eyes as she sipped a cold lemonade. Beside her, Nate cannonballed into the pool, sending a geyser of water up and over the edge, much to the dismay of Mia, who had just finished applying sunscreen.
“Seriously, Nate?” Mia scolded, flicking water off her arms.
“Sorry, couldn’t resist,” Nate replied, grinning like a mischievous kid.
At the grill, Trevor flipped burgers with the finesse of someone who believed they could compete on a cooking show. “Burgers will be ready in ten!” he announced, the scent of sizzling meat wafting through the air.
Lila, perched on the pool’s edge with her feet in the water, leaned back on her hands and closed her eyes. “This is perfect,” she said dreamily. “I wish every weekend could be like this.”
The group settled into their rhythm — Nate diving, Ella scrolling through her phone, Mia floating on a giant flamingo raft…
