Bonfire

Early autumn stretched lazily over Stillbridge, sunlight draping the town common in ahoneyed warmth that hinted at cooler nights. Leaves rustled in the breeze, carryingthe faint scent of apples and damp grass. It was the perfect day for the annualall-church potluck, and the common buzzed with the gentle chaos of a well-lovedfestival. Reverend Hastings stood…