SIGNS IN THE STARS original paper collage

The inky sky gathered around them – a lady and her horse – as town receded into the distance. Soon, all they could see were the shadows of saguaros lining the narrow dirt path. All they could see was the gentle flicker of stars against their velvety backdrop. And meeting their ears? The gentle chatter of insects, making nighttime conversation, thinking they’d never be heard.

She hopped down from the saddle and guided her four-legged friend towards the grove of cacti. Earlier in the day, she’d seen the cut-out in its wide walls while returning to the ranch with her brother as they brought in the cattle. She knew he hadn’t seen it, having been occupied breaking in a new horse.

That was for the best. She’d get no end of trouble if they knew she’d ridden out here alone at night.

This was her chance, she knew, to figure out what was on the other side of that thick, prickly wall – to see if this had been the source of the bright light shining into the sky from far out in the brushy desert plains. Everyone in town seemed to have seen it or heard of someone who’d seen it, but no one had been out to investigate.

This was her chance. She gripped the reins a little tighter and walked towards it.