During all the talk, Brenna didn’t move from where she rested against Slaton. She sat on the steps quietly only half listening to the conversation around her, leaning against Slaton’s chest. Slaton leaned against the top post with one leg pulled up and bent where he could rest his arm. The other leg was stretched out down the length of the stairs, surrounding Brenna. She could feel his heartbeat which aided in calming her nerves. Her body felt numb as she tried to comprehend what had happened, but it was like she faced a brick wall with no idea where to go.
Her gaze was focused on an apple tree growing at the edge of the house as her heart pounded in her chest. The tree showed signs of spring as small green buds were popping out all over its outstretched limbs. She thought of how ironic it was. Here the tree was proclaiming life while she was so desperate to end a life, that of a demon.