"Flaming Springs" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

The only way to get to "Flaming Springs" was 15 miles up a steep and rocky trail. Some brave souls tried biking it, but Michelle Brinks and her boyfriend Dennis were packing everything on their backs and walking the trail.

The couple started the grueling hike early in the morning and had made it about half-way by noon. Michelle was looking forward to soaking her aching legs in the warm water of the springs. 

It was early evening when the pair finally arrived in the meadow that contained several hot pools. Michelle was disappointed to see a tent pitched at the other end of the clearing. She was hoping they had the place to themselves.

After unpacking their gear and setting up a tent, Michelle changed into her swimsuit and stepped into a nearby pool that was lined with smooth rocks. The water was heavenly and she never wanted to leave. Dennis soon joined her and they shared some wine while the sun sank below the horizon. 

The next morning, Michelle made breakfast and wondered about the tent across the meadow. She hadn't seen anyone near the campsite since they got there. Of course, it was possible that the owners were on an extended hike, but it still seemed odd. 

While gathering water for lunch, Michelle noticed strange lights pulsating from the deserted tent and assumed that the owners had returned. Dennis was out in the woods somewhere so Michelle decided to investigate by herself.

The lights became brighter as she walked across the clearing and bizarre mechanical sounds also issued from the tent. Michelle called out several times, but no one came out of the structure. The lights and sound were more intense than ever and she unzipped the opening.

A vast cavern appeared and Michelle stepped into another world. She began walking without and stopped when she noticed something ahead of her. A large table was occupied by dark and strange creatures. One of the beings stood up. "Please have a seat Michelle-we've been expecting you." it said.

 

"Five-Mile Lake" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

Jonathan Kepler was driving though his old hometown on the way to a business conference when he noticed the sign for "Five-Mile Lake." Back in high school, Jonathan and his friends used to hang out at the lake all the time and he decided to stop and take a look.

The parking lot was now covered in graffiti and litter, and a "No Trespassing" blocked the trail that led to the beach. Jonathan walked around the sign and was shocked at how everything had fallen into decay. Empty beer cans and other debris littered the beach. The fishing dock looked like it was about to fall into the water and the tree under which he first kissed Julie had been cut down.

Jonathan angrily kicked one of the beer cans. He couldn't believe that everything was gone. For a few minutes, Jonathan stared out at the dismal water and then walked back to his car. A police officer was waiting for him in the parking lot, and he got a ticket for trespassing. Jonathan had to admit the officer was right: He no longer belonged at the lake.

"Holly" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

Long-haul truck driver Sam Shelton was trying to get some sleep in the cab of his truck when he heard a faint knocking on his door. Sam opened the door and was surprised to see a teen-age girl standing there. "Can I help you?" Sam asked although he had an idea what she wanted. The girl blushed furiously, "I was wondering if you wanted a date." 

"What's your name?" Sam asked gently. "Holly" the girl answered looking down. "Well, Holly, you should be at home and not walking around a truck stop at two in the morning."

"I don't have anywhere to go" the girl said sobbing.

"Look, I have a friend-she's a teacher and you could stay with her for a while." For a second, Sam saw a flicker of hope in the girl's eyes and then it was gone and she turned and ran away. 

The next morning, Sam was getting ready to haul a load to Boise, when he heard that same faint knocking. It was Holly, but she had been badly beaten. Sam called 911 and followed the ambulance to the hospital. Fortunately, Holly was going to be ok, and his teacher friend Paula had agreed to let her stay at her home until they could make permanent arrangements.

There was one last piece of business that had to be taken care of. Holly didn't know the name of the man who had attacked her, but she did remember the mural of a green snake on the truck's door. Sam knew the truck and the driver, and he planned to make a visit the next day.

Sam rapped on the door of Ernie Gibb's truck and waited for the man to come out. Gibbs wasn't pleased to see him. "What the hell do you want Shelton?" Sam grabbed a fistful of Gibb's hair and drove his knee into the man's face. Gibbs held onto his broken nose and cursed Sam with everything he had.