Page 14 of Ashes to Ashes

The chilled scent of pine drifted over the deck. A squirrel had been nibbling a fallen pinecone on the railing. It spotted us and ran off with its treat.

Denni followed me out to the railing. Her arm pressed against mine, and I was glad to have her so close.

Evergreens of every shape and size stood around creating uneven shadows across thedeck.

"My dad used to say the trees looked like obedient soldiers guarding his cabin." I pointed to one that was about six feet tall and full enough to moonlight as a Christmas tree in a bank or mall. "Dad planted that one when he first bought this place. It was a thin little twig with a few pine needles, but he took care of it and it flourished. He called it Harold."

Denni giggled and the lyrical sound fit perfectly into the picture postcard setting.

I lifted the urn and removed the cap. "Well, Dad, you're home." My voice wavered. Denni reached up, pushed my hair behind my ear and kissed my cheek. I took a deep breath and tossed the gray dust out over the landscape.

"I'm not too sure how I'll get along without you, Dad." I wiped discretely at my eye. "I'll miss you." I placed the urn on the railing and watched as the ashes floated in every different direction and around the bases of the trees.

I turned toward Denni. She threw her arms around me. I held her tightly.

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