American Pyramid

Aftermath

Zak

Unfortunately, the deal for the house I had been looking at to potentially turn into a museum fell through because of a leasing issue, but like Tori said, if it wasn't meant for me, then it wasn't meant. To avoid going down the Strip and getting stuck in traffic, I came to a stop at the intersection of Charleston Boulevard and South Sixth Street, keeping an eye on both lanes of traffic before making my turn. When I looked to my right, I saw an old house that I had never seen before. What's an old ass house doing not far from the Strip?

Making my turn, I then began to drive around the house succumbing to my own curiosity, seeing that there was a "For Sale" sign at the front door. Taking a picture of it to remember the phone number, Tori was the first person I called to ask her advice on. I wasn't surprised that she didn't answer because I knew she was riding, so I figured I'd just wait until I got home to talk to her about it.

I wanted her involved in the milestones I was making in my life just like I wanted to be involved in hers. It made me happy to see her happy, and I finally understood what my mom was talking about now when she said that you'd do anything, even something you don't enjoy, just because it involves your significant other. 

When I finally got back to mine and Tori's new home, I immediately felt like something was off, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Tori and Gracie were nowhere to be found, but I had assumed that she was still out riding considering I had gotten home earlier than what I had planned, and that Arson was still missing from the barn. 

Checking my phone to see no new notifications, I then made my way into the kitchen to find me a quick lunch while I waited for Tori to come home. 

Roughly a half hour later, a knock broke me from my trance that usually happened while I was editing, forgetting that Hollie was supposed to drop by to bring Tori her boots before the rodeo tonight. 

"Hey, Zak!" Hollie smiled at me. "Is Tori around?" 

"Not at this second, no. She's out riding." 

"Oh, okay. I figured she was around because her dog ran up to my car when I pulled in," She answered, stepping aside to reveal Gracie who was standing at the base of the porch, her ears perked up and her tail alert. 

Something was wrong. 

"Uh, let me go and check to see if she might've come back," I nodded, my heart racing as I rushed towards the patio door, hoping and praying that she had returned without me knowing. "Y-You can come in. I'm sure she's probably back by now since Gracie is here. She usually goes with her on rides." 

"Zak, I-I don't have a good feeling about this," Hollie sighed. "Something doesn't feel right. If Gracie usually goes with her and Gracie is the one who came back..." 

"I know," I shook my head, not wanting to believe what she was implying. 

"Um, I just tried to call her. She didn't answer-" 

"That's definitely not like her," I sighed. "I'm going to go grab the UTV and go look for her." 

"Want me to come with you?" 

"That's fine. Might need the help." 

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