by stillcrazy

Created on: November 10, 2008

It was the first full moon since she'd moved to the city and Connie yearned to feel it against her skin. Staring at it made her heart bend toward the farm, her family, and the guy she left behind. A midnight walk should not have been an option. After all she barely knew the textures and contours of city life. Still, the impulse outweighed any fear of the unknown so she left her third floor flat with a purpose that shielded her from danger.

Connie was shocked at the distance she covered before bright city lights finally gave way to the softer, natural moonlight. More surprising was the peace she felt, as if it was meant to be. She had passed through shoddy, questionable neighborhoods without so much as a tremble or blink until, at last, she discovered a well kept park nudged against a quiet pond. Finding a bench, Connie sat down and gazed upward. As she expected, thoughts of home and especially her mother swirled under the moons luster.

Leaving had not been easy. She had been happy. Happier than she'd ever believed possible, but-not fulfilled. Dreams came with sacrifice. And hers had been the security of family and love. It was only for a short time, she promised herself. Succeed, learn as much as you can to start your own business, then move back, pick up where you left off. That was the plan. Her plan. Unfortunately, her guy didn't buy into it. If she left that was it. There'd be no coming back to him.
So be it.
Tears wobbled behind her eyelids, but she banished them with the warm memory of her mother's words of encouragement.

"Go, Connie. Be what you were meant to be. The farm will be here when you get back."

A snap beside the bench turned Connie's insides to jelly.

"You're alone?" The man was obviously astonished.

Connie's heart pounded as she turned to face the stranger. Between strips of moonbeans, he appeared harmless, but tales of normal looking men with cruel intents shattered Connie's composure anyway.

She stood, ready to run, but he motioned her back down.

"I'm not going to attack you." He chuckled as he sat beside her, leaving a comfortable distance between them. "Just thought you'd like some company. I've never seen you here before. Are you new to the neighborhood?"

She shook her head, but remained quiet. Giving out information didn't feel safe.

"I've only lived here a few months." Apparently, he didn't share her caution. He stretched out his jean clad legs and crossed his ankles. The cowboy boots were hard to miss, even in the skimpy light.

He went on. "Excuse

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