The Creek Case

The creek lies within the forest behind Kayla's house. The beauty of the trees and the clear flowing water draws all who have viewed its splendor. One day Kayla and her dad set out on a hike through this forest. Their dogs, Nikki Mae and Bear joined them on the Journey. After exploring the narrow leafy trails and dodging the briers and brush, their view opened to a clearing with scattered trees and a creek flowing through the forest.

They all stopped, as if they were frozen for a moment in time. Kayla exclaimed, WOW, look at the creek! She started running toward the creek with Nikki Mae and Bear leading the way. Her dad followed closely behind. They were drawn to the creek as if captured by some magnetic force. Kayla kicked off her shoes and jumped into the water. She was only ankle deep, but she didn't care. She enjoyed the feel of the cool water rushing over her feet and the sand squishing between her toes.

Nikki Mae and Bear began to roll in the water, splashing it on all who were near. They started digging holes and running back and forth. As the holes began to fill with water, their noses covered and blew bubbles in the water. Kayla and her dad laughed and giggled as they watched the dogs play by the creek.

Soon, they realized they had followed the creek up to a point where the water was flowing over tree stumps and rock formations. The beautiful view and the pleasant sounds of the water falls were so relaxing that they fell asleep along the banks of the creek. They slept along a gentle curve in the creek that acted almost as a cradle holding and gently rocking the four adventurers.

Kayla's father awoke, realizing they had been asleep and in the forest longer than they had expected. He quickly woke Brittney, Nikki Mae and Bear to prepare them for the Journey home. They did not want to leave the creek without noting they were there and leaving a mark to remember this place. They carved their initials into a tree near the creek to mark this as their place. The marking indicated this is their special place to go relax, play and forget about the rest of the world.

The creek is constantly calling them to come and play. No one else can hear it; the call comes from the memory etched into their mind. Any time they are home from school and work, the call comes forth and they are drawn into the woods and they find their way down by the creek.