Busted Gulch vol. 4

To Stay (kpmoulton)

To Stay

A familiar face reappears,

looking tired and forlorn.

The light shifts, and

a fresh knife wound peeks out

between red curls, braids undone.

Around her, a crowd grows.

Features drawn, eyes downcast,

Kae recounts her tale:

"The pigeon sent me on a mission,

one I tried to complete.

Those rows of tents

didn't reveal many secrets.

I felt I'd failed in my duties

and would let the town down.

There was no trail,

and so I went home.

Too much remained there

for me to truly leave.

There's no trace of me,

and not even a tombstone for him.

I did find my closure, and

reopened the case.

Benny's killer isn't out there,

and I can rest calmly,

knowing that he received his

justice.

This is my home now,

and I'm here,

this time,

to stay."